It broke (really)

[asthmatic camel]

My digital camera has tossed its toys out of the pram and refuses to play nicely. It powers up OK and can detect whether or not a flash card is present but then only displays the message "Please wait". The PC occasionally detects a malfunctioning USB device when it is plugged in. I suppose the camera's internal program has become corrupted. Does anyone have any tips that might give it a new lease of life, or is it time to buy a new camera (which I really, really want but really, really can't afford)?

It's a Mustek MDC 3000, I'd try contacting Mustek but it's a waste of time; their support is hopeless.

 

[richardm]

Have you tried fresh batteries? Possibly a different flash card?

 

[asthmatic camel]

Have you tried fresh batteries? Possibly a different flash card?

Yep, tried both with no success. I was wondering if there is any way to repair the camera's internal software without spending loads of cash. It's not worth paying for repairs as the camera is outdated. Probably a vain hope, but I enjoy tinkering with things to see if they can be repaired rather than consign them straight to the bin.

 

[coalesce]

If possible, go to an Apple store and bring the camera and its' wire. Hook it up to any Apple computer there and turn on the camera. iPhoto should recognize it with no problem. I've done it with my sister-in-law's Japanese digital camera that isn't sold here in the US, all without having to download any new software/drivers. My Mac was able to import the pictures quickly, so that leads me to think that if the camera is functioning properly, then iPhoto should handle it. If not, then the problem may be with the camera's software.

Michael

 

[MRC_Hans]

Uhh, let me get this right.. Your outdated camara has broken, and you want to know what to do with it?

Mmmm, let's see......

Hans

 

[a_unique_person]

My digital camera has tossed its toys out of the pram and refuses to play nicely. It powers up OK and can detect whether or not a flash card is present but then only displays the message "Please wait". The PC occasionally detects a malfunctioning USB device when it is plugged in. I suppose the camera's internal program has become corrupted. Does anyone have any tips that might give it a new lease of life, or is it time to buy a new camera (which I really, really want but really, really can't afford)?

It's a Mustek MDC 3000, I'd try contacting Mustek but it's a waste of time; their support is hopeless.

Mustek is not known for it's cameras. You can get quite decent ones pretty cheaply now. If you just stick to around a 2 Megapixel range, with a half decent lens, and one that gets the white balance right, etc, you will get out of it pretty cheaply. No point getting a 5Megapixel with a crappy lens. Actuall, a total waste, and too expensive. Stick to a Japanese brand, though, and one that takes a standard memory device and rechargeable batteries.

My kodak was pretty cheap about a year ago, but the white balance is hopeless. The 2 megapixel resolution is fine. Always go for optical zoom in preference to digital zoom.

 

[asthmatic camel]

If possible, go to an Apple store and bring the camera and its' wire. Hook it up to any Apple computer there and turn on the camera. iPhoto should recognize it with no problem. I've done it with my sister-in-law's Japanese digital camera that isn't sold here in the US, all without having to download any new software/drivers. My Mac was able to import the pictures quickly, so that leads me to think that if the camera is functioning properly, then iPhoto should handle it. If not, then the problem may be with the camera's software.

Michael

Good thinking; I'll try it with one of the Macs at the studio. Given my luck with technology, I'll probably end up paying for a new camera and a new Mac.

 

[asthmatic camel]

Uhh, let me get this right.. Your outdated camara has broken, and you want to know what to do with it?

Mmmm, let's see......

Hans

Yeah, I know Hans, it's time to trash the camera and receive yet more hate mail from the bank when I buy a new one. I'm just grasping at straws.

 

[asthmatic camel]

MRC Hans, may I offer you my thanks for a vastly increased overdraft? I bit the bullet and bought a brand, spanking new Olympus digital camera. 5 megapixels, light as a feather, superb results, solid design...

Now, what do I do with my box full of rechargeable NiCd batteries and compact flash cards? And where do I redirect letters from the bank manager? It's all your fault.

 

[a_unique_person]

MRC Hans, may I offer you my thanks for a vastly increased overdraft? I bit the bullet and bought a brand, spanking new Olympus digital camera. 5 megapixels, light as a feather, superb results, solid design...

Now, what do I do with my box full of rechargeable NiCd batteries and compact flash cards? And where do I redirect letters from the bank manager? It's all your fault.

But what about the lens?

 

[Benguin]

MRC Hans, may I offer you my thanks for a vastly increased overdraft? I bit the bullet and bought a brand, spanking new Olympus digital camera. 5 megapixels, light as a feather, superb results, solid design...

Now, what do I do with my box full of rechargeable NiCd batteries and compact flash cards? And where do I redirect letters from the bank manager? It's all your fault.

Sell 'em on eBay. There's mugs out there still need these things ... like, errm, me.

 

[asthmatic camel]

But what about the lens?

The lens is fine for my needs (Olympus lens 7.8mm to 23.4 mm f2.8 to f4.8, 7 elements in 6 groups equivalent to 38 mm to 114 mm lens on 35 mm camera.)

Of course, you're now going to tell me that it's sh*te, just to p*ss me off. The reality is that when I really want good results, I resort to my trusty old Pentax 35mm; the digital camera is just for fun.

 

[Benguin]

I've been very impressed by the results coming out of the new generation of digital compacts ... a friend bought a Pentax option and gets very good images. Most of the time they are just indistinguishable (in terms of lens) from what I can bang out with my D30 and all it's L series glass.

 

[asthmatic camel]

Benguin, to be fair, I'm very impressed with this new camera. As soon as I've gained my rocket science phd, I might be able to use it properly!

 

[a_unique_person]

The lens is fine for my needs (Olympus lens 7.8mm to 23.4 mm f2.8 to f4.8, 7 elements in 6 groups equivalent to 38 mm to 114 mm lens on 35 mm camera.)

Of course, you're now going to tell me that it's sh*te, just to p*ss me off. The reality is that when I really want good results, I resort to my trusty old Pentax 35mm; the digital camera is just for fun.

Not at all, it is just that so many cameras out there advertise 5MegaPixel with a genuine plastic lens. No point in that at all. You have to have a decent lens to feed that resolution. If it works fine for you, that's fine by me.

 

[asthmatic camel]

Not at all, it is just that so many cameras out there advertise 5MegaPixel with a genuine plastic lens. No point in that at all. You have to have a decent lens to feed that resolution. If it works fine for you, that's fine by me.

AUP, I was only messing. I actually took your advice and went to a decent camera shop, asked which was the best option within my price range and then coughed up the cash. The result is a good one; I normally buy the cheapest thing that looks good and end up disappointed. So, a big thank-you is in order.

 

[Zep]

Now, what do I do with my box full of rechargeable NiCd batteries and compact flash cards?

Oh ho! What size are they? Can you point to a picture/link of one of these on the web? I COULD be interested...

 

[asthmatic camel]

Oh ho! What size are they? Can you point to a picture/link of one of these on the web? I COULD be interested...

Oops! Sorry Zep, I've already found a home for them at a local charity. Otherwise I'd have gladly posted them to you for nowt.

 

[Zep]

Oops! Sorry Zep, I've already found a home for them at a local charity. Otherwise I'd have gladly posted them to you for nowt.

Poop. Oh well - hope they make some good of them.