Broken shutter I dropped my canon powershot A540, and it seems fully functional..... but when i press the shutter nothing happens! I can't take pictures!

Dear Richard,

It sounds like the release button is damaged on the camera. Try taking a little windex and cleaning the area around the button. It is possible that some residue got inside and causing the switch not to make connection. If this does not work; I suggest you take or ship to authorized Canon Repair center. New York City is convenient for me with Photo Tech Repair Service; www.phototech.com

Paul

From the menu, select Drive Mode (third item from the top) then one of the self-timer options.

To start the self-timer, simply press the shutter release button.

Press the bottom part of the ring around the Func/set button, then scroll up/down for the timer function you want (single shot, continuous settings, timers,). Press the shutter to start the timer.

I have the same problem. If I am outdoors, the camera seems to work fine, but indoors, even with fresh batteries, it will not take a picture.

lens unit shutter section failure,take out the shutter unit replace the broken part,if not take to a camera tech

Some of The Canon Powershot A530 and A540 cameras are subject to an advisory recall. Seems that a small spring on the battery compartment door can short out the batteries. Suspect this of yours, in that you mention that your batteries aren't lasting long. If your camera is on the list, Canon should fix this for you for free, including free shipping both ways. This is regardless of your camera's warranty status. Please check the following link for more info:
　
http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/canon-a530-a540-with-short-battery-life.html

Hi there,

Here is how you do it.
1) press the menu button.
2) scroll right to the Setup Menu
3) scroll down to format.
4) scroll right to enter Format Menu
5) scroll up to Low Level Format.
6) scroll left or right to add a check mark.
7) scroll down to ok and press the function/set button.

Sorry no one got to you sooner. Hope this helps you, and thanks for coming to FixYa. Don't forget to rate my solution.

Rob

when in picture mode, press "set" then go to "drive mode" and choose either 10 or 2 seconds

The date will only show up on the picture under a limited set of circumstances on the Canon PowerShot digital cameras, of which the A540 is one. You've probably found the Date function in the menu, but discovered that it was off, grayed out, and skipped over whenever you tried to reset it.

Date stamp will only work in "Postcard" mode. Press the Function button (labeled "FUNC SET"), then press the down button until you reach the Recording Pixels selection (usually labeled "L", but not always). It's probably the bottom onscreen selection. Use the right or left buttons to select Postcard, then press the Function button again.

Press the Menu button and scroll down to Date Stamp. Now you should be able to select "Date" or "Date & Time" with the right or left button. Press Menu again and take your pictures.

Some of The Canon Powershot A530 and A540 cameras are subject to an advisory recall. Seems that a small spring on the battery compartment door can short out the batteries. Suspect this of yours, in that you mention that your batteries aren't lasting long. If your camera is on the list, Canon should fix this for you for free, including free shipping both ways. This is regardless of your camera's warranty status. Please check the following link for more info:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/canon-a530-a540-with-short-battery-life.html