Many cameras with built in flash will be affected by ‘lens shadows’. Even expensive DSLR cameras can suffer from lens shadows when using the built in flash.
The nearer that the flash lamp is positioned to the lens and the larger the size of the lens, then the more pronounced the problem will be. The position of the shadow will also vary depending on the location of the flash lamp in relation to the lens.
This is not a fault and cannot be rectified.
Lens shadow description
Some Panasonic cameras have a ‘Clipboard’ function. If clipboard is selected on the top function dial then the camera will only work on internal memory. The SD Card will not be accessible.
This is generally caused by dust and dirt getting inside the lens. The lenses on most digital cameras are not airtight. When the lens extends outwards it draws in air. If the camera is used or stored in a dusty environment then dust and dirt can find its way into the camera. This would normally require a strip down to clean inside the lens.
With the writing on the memory card facing you, the switch will be on your left-hand side, move it upwards and this will unlock your memory card. However, if this does not resolve the problem we would recommend sending the camera to us to be examined.
Make sure your lens is clean and free of finger prints. A camera lens can mist up suddenly when going from cold temperatures to warm. Wipe the lens with a soft, clean micro-fibre cloth.
There are various types of SD Card. Standard SD cards only have a capacity of up to 2GB. Standard SD cards up to 2GB will work on all cameras.
SD HC Cards (High Capacity) have a capacity upto 32GB but can only be used in a camera that has the SD HC logo.
SD XC cards (Extended Capacity) are available for capacity up to 2TB but will only work in a camera with the SD XC Logo.
Always make sure that the logo on the SD card matches the logo on the camera.
Click HERE for more information on SD Cards.
If you connect your camera to a computer or have placed your SD card into a PC card reader and then edited any of your pictures on the PC this can cause them to no longer display on your camera. Always make copies of your pictures and save them on the PC before editing.
Only edit your copied pictures not the originals. Only keep original unedited pictures on the SD card. Do not rename any files or folders on your SD card.
Batteries will drain after being left for several weeks. Manufacturers recommend that you remove the battery from the camera when it is not used for long periods.
The flash on most pocket cameras will only operate up to about 2 metres from the subject. Flash is ineffective in large areas. This is not a fault. Try using slow shutter speeds and flash off.
Please ensure that you have ‘auto-focus’ selected and have not selected Macro mode.
Please ensure that the flash is not set ‘off’ and that you have not selected movie mode or scenery mode.
Digital cameras require a constant high current supply. Alkaline batteries are unable to provide enough power. Manufacturers recommend using rechargeable NiMH batteries rated at 2100mha or higher for best performance from your camera.
This is a common problem with small cameras caused by ‘airborne dust’ . Dust particles in the air reflect the flash back at the lens causing defocused circles to appear on photos. This is not a camera fault.
Dust causing defocused circles on image
This is a standard problem with small cameras using flash too close to peoples faces. The flash reflects off the subject’s eyes, most cameras have a red eye reduction setting but this will not guarantee red eye free pictures. This is not a camera fault.
There are many settings on a digital camera that can be misadjusted. We recommend that you find the option in the settings menu to reset your camera before assuming that it is faulty.
Many camcorders of 2 -4 years ago suffer from common failure of the CCD imager, please contact us for repair.
In cold conditions, please allow your camcorder to warm to room temperature before using.
This is very commonly caused by a clogged video head, use of a good quality head cleaning tape may resolve this.
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This is very commonly caused by a clogged video head, use of a good quality head cleaning tape may resolve this.