Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Troubleshooting

Note: This troubleshooting guide only covers the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS.

Your camera's lens will not extend/retract or it displays an error message.

This is a common error for most SD850 users. Upon turning on the camera, either an "E18 Lens Error" or "Lens Error, Restart Camera" message appears on the LCD screen. This problem is usually due to dirt or debris getting inside the lens or due to a broken lens mechanism. A probable solution is to send the camera in to Canon by going to the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Product Repair Webpage to have the problem solved.

If the camera has been damaged in any way while it was still on with the lens extended, it may not retract when powered off. You can check if you have this problem by looking at the lens. There should be an even gap between the camera and the lens, if this isn't the case then your camera is off-centered. You can try to fix this problem yourself by gently pushing on the lens until you hear a click which could indicate the camera is pushed back into position. But a more probable solution is to send the camera in to Canon by going to the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Product Repair Webpage to have the problem solved.

Your camera will not turn on.

Check to make sure that your battery is fully charged and correctly inserted into the battery slot in the camera. If this does not work, your battery may need to be replaced.

The terminals from the battery or the camera are not clean enough to get a connection. Try cleaning the terminals with a Q-tip.

If a circuit on the logic board has gone bad due to trauma or water damage, your camera will not turn on. This will be apparent as your camera will not turn on at all, with nothing displayed on the LCD screen and no buttons light up. A probable solution is to send the camera in to Canon by going to the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Product Repair Webpage to have the problem solved.

You battery will not charge.

Check to make sure that your battery is correctly inserted into the charger along with checking that the outlet is functional. If this does not work, your battery and/or charger may need to be replaced.

The battery may not charge due to a bad connection between the charger and the battery. Check to see if the terminals are clean. You can perform this procedure by using a Q-tip.

Your camera's function button(s) don't work.

If the button(s) are not working, the button sensor(s) may be fried. There is a thin orange ribbon-like wire under the buttons that could be the potential cause of the problem. A probable solution is to send the camera in to Canon by going to the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Product Repair Webpage to have the problem solved.

Your camera's LCD screen is broken or cracked.

If your camera's LCD screen is cracked, you will need to replace the whole screen. A probable solution is to send the camera in to Canon by going to the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Product Repair Webpage to have the problem solved.

Your camera's LCD screen is completely black, but the screen is not cracked.

This could be an internal error from a circuit connection. If the camera is still under warranty I would advise you to send the camera in to Canon by going to the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Product Repair Webpage to have the problem solved.

The following steps are for troubleshooting the lens error associated with the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS. If the camera is new and still under warranty then you may want to explore other options before repairing the camera yourself. The majority of lens errors are caused when dirt and debris has entered the lens and barrel area. Cleanliness is the best prevention for such errors. Dirty camera cases are one of the biggest contributors to lens errors. If you are using a camera case verify that it is always clean. Overtime dirt will begin to settle in the case thus making it a cause of damage rather than protection.

NOTE: Before starting, please note that each of the following steps may resolve the lens error. These steps do not need to be followed in any specific chronological order. However, I would advise on trying the steps that do not require twisting, tapping, and pulling first to avoid any further damage. If a click is heard while performing any of the following steps then stop. Clicks may indicate that the guide pins within the lens barrel have reset and the camera should be tested to see if the lens error has been resolved.

• 1. Begin by turning the power on and off 4 times. If this does not work, remove the battery with the power still on, wait about 15 seconds and replace the battery. Once you have installed the battery, turn the power on. You can plug the audio/visual cable into the camera preventing the LCD screen from powering up. This will allow for more power to be directed to extending or retracting the lens.

• 2. Try using compressed air to clean around the lens barrel area, this may dislodge the debris that is preventing the lens from extending or retracting.

NOTE: The next step should be done with extreme caution to avoid further damage to the device.

• 3. Gently tap on the bottom of the camera while holding the camera with the lens facing the ground. Try using the palm of your hand or the rubber pad on the USB compartment. You want to dislodge any dirt or debris that is lodged within the camera.

• 4. With the power OFF, place the camera flat on the table with the lens facing the ceiling. While holding the shutter button down turn on the power, this will cause the lens to auto focus hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins.

NOTE: The next step is the most forceful procedure, therefore use extreme caution when performing. Remember, if a click is heard during this step then stop and check to see if the lens error has been resolved. Clicking sounds may indicate that the lens barrel guide pins have reset.

• 5. While turning the power on GENTLY twist, pull or push the barrel while the lens is extending or retracting. You want the barrel to move in or out evenly. The idea behind this step is to overcome the friction that is caused by misalignments or dirt within the barrel.