Expert: John Oliverio - 5/14/2009

Question
About a month ago, you advised me on a problem I'm having with my Canon PowerShot S1 IS.  You said it sounded like the CCD had went out.  Is this a common problem with this camera?  Is it something that is going to happen sooner or later or something that may have been caused by an outside force (like exposure to heat for a period of time)?  I've bought a Nikon Coolpix L100 to replace my Canon, but I just don't like it.  The pics with my Canon were so much better it's unreal!  I'm debating on having my Canon repaired, but if this CCD going out is something that's just going to keep happening through no fault of my own, I may not.  Please help!

Answer
Karla,

The pro you had with the Canon could have been caused by any number of reasons.  But I suspect it was just age.  These cameras don't last as long as film cameras did.  Between 4 and 6 years for point and shoot cameras is all I would expect.  I strongly suggest you don't put any money into the broken one.  It will quickly become a money pit.

The L100 should be capable of doing images much better than your old one.  What kind of problems are you having with it?  Perhaps you just like Canon better.  If that is the case, I would suggest the Canon Sx200.  It has a zoom that is similar to your old one in a much smaller camera.

John