I have a Canon PowerShot G3 camera from 2003 (outdated, but still a decent cam for secondary use) and as of recent it no longer takes images. The camera turns on, and I can see all the display info and settings, but the image preview is black. If I take an image and view it on the camera, it is black. If I put the card in my computer, it is black. I believe something is stuck or broken inside the lens, but not sure which piece it would be or how to proceed. I can still zoom in and everything, it doesn't give me errors about a stuck lens or anything.
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Camera takes black pictures
- Thread starter retta283
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Sure seems like the sensor has gone bad. It usually takes the form of corrupted images or blank images. Even if something was stuck inside, you’d get more than a black image, just nothing that looked right anymore.
Have you tried a different memory card?
Have you tried a different memory card?
It happens even when no card is inserted, as I still cannot see the preview. I think it's pretty much trashed, but figured I'd see here what people thought it could be.
Not really a good answer... This is not my main camera in any way, it's more of a hobbyist item.
Sorry but I agree, I think the sensor is bad or the shutter is staying shut during exposure, either way, I think it is time to take old yella out back and put him out of his misery. It wouldnt be economical to fix it at this stage so either find another on eBay (if that particular model is what you want), or replace with a newer model. Your smartphone must trash the G3 in terms of image quality at this stage surely? It seems to have served well but it is time to let it rest.
LOL do you really think I left the lens cover on? The camera would fail to turn on due to an obstruction
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I think there has been a level of misunderstanding with this post. I'm looking to try and fix an old piece of tech that I used to use, just to tinker with it again. I have a modern camera, I actually have some rather high end equipment. This is just a hobbyist piece, if I can't fix it then I'll give up on it. I've purchased at least 10 cameras since then, and most of them are better than this.
Just having fun because occasionally I do that. Another time I have a screen blank problem is with this auto switch to the viewfinder. Look at the back LCD and it is blank. Despite the distance, apparently I was 'too close' to the camera and it switched to viewfinder
I don't think anyone is trying to be snarky. It sounds like the camera is effectively dead. Going from front to back (i.e. following the path of the light) it sounds like the shutter button isn't triggering the shutter, the shutter isn't working at all, or something is fried after the level of the sensor which isn't allowing the data to flow from the sensor to the viewfinder and memory card. Possible the sensor itself is globally malfunctioning (not getting power?).
The shutter button not working seems unlikely since you would still expect to see an image prior to capture on the LCD, but you just wouldn't be able to capture it. The shutter not opening at all seems possible. As does global sensor failure or a failure in the connection between the sensor and the outputs (LCD, memory card).
Regardless, it's hard to imagine a fix. You might try resetting everything to factory defaults (there might be a menu item that lets you do this) in the hopes that it's somehow a camera software glitch. You might try plugging it into an extremal power source to see if it works then (perhaps the battery is bad with enough juice to power the menus but not enough to power the sensor).
Other than those ideas, I think you might be out of luck. Sorry.
I did a google search and may have found another possible fix.
Turns out there are two batteries--the main battery and a secondary battery.
www.dpreview.com
"My G3 LCD turned black just before I was about to leave for a vacation to New York!!!
I thought: This is a disaster... There is no time to fix it in time for apparture...
So I asked here on this forum and they said.. take out both the batteries!
I did not know that there was more then one battery... but in the same compartment of the main battery, there it was a small battery. I changed this and it was fine!"
I have no idea if this might fix your specific problem, but something to consider before you decide to give up on the camera
Turns out there are two batteries--the main battery and a secondary battery.
G3 LCD Screen Is Black: Canon PowerShot Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
Expert news, reviews and videos of the latest digital cameras, lenses, accessories, and phones. Get answers to your questions in our photography forums.
"My G3 LCD turned black just before I was about to leave for a vacation to New York!!!
I thought: This is a disaster... There is no time to fix it in time for apparture...
So I asked here on this forum and they said.. take out both the batteries!
I did not know that there was more then one battery... but in the same compartment of the main battery, there it was a small battery. I changed this and it was fine!"
I have no idea if this might fix your specific problem, but something to consider before you decide to give up on the camera
I went to turn on the camera, and my battery was dead. And I can't find my charger or other batteries... That figures. If they turn up I will try this though. Might as well.I did a google search and may have found another possible fix.
Turns out there are two batteries--the main battery and a secondary battery.
G3 LCD Screen Is Black: Canon PowerShot Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
Expert news, reviews and videos of the latest digital cameras, lenses, accessories, and phones. Get answers to your questions in our photography forums.
"My G3 LCD turned black just before I was about to leave for a vacation to New York!!!
I thought: This is a disaster... There is no time to fix it in time for apparture...
So I asked here on this forum and they said.. take out both the batteries!
I did not know that there was more then one battery... but in the same compartment of the main battery, there it was a small battery. I changed this and it was fine!"
I have no idea if this might fix your specific problem, but something to consider before you decide to give up on the camera
Though I don't think that second battery would affect the sensor or shutter, it's just CMOS. But who knows, it could be messing with something small and it's malfunctioning. Thanks for looking into this.