Q: I live in South Africa, and I have had a Sony Cyber-shot camera for about four years. Last year, the lens got stuck inside. I had it fixed, but about two months later, the same problem occurred. I am really frustrated as this was my first digital camera, and I really loved it. I am not so sure I will buy another Sony camera. Any ideas on finding trustworthy digital camera repair? ---Z.L.
That's unfortunate that you had a bad experience with a digital camera repair center. I've written an article containing tips for finding a trustworthy digital camera repair center; hopefully that will help others avoid the problem you had in the past.
As far as the lens problem with your Cyber-shot camera, I think most point and shoot cameras will have some sort of problem within several years. If you were able to garner four years of usage out of a point and shoot model, that really isn't too bad. I've had some basic models "crash and burn" after a couple of years, and I've had a few last several years.
In addition, with the advances in the technologies behind digital cameras, replacing a point and shoot camera every three to five years is pretty common among photographers. If you really enjoyed everything about your Cyber-shot camera (while it was working, anyway), I don't think I'd let this experience sour me on Sony cameras.
Lens problems are one of the most common reasons cameras eventually fail across all brands. Sometimes the lens can be jammed from a fall. If you notice stray particles or other foreign objects stuck to the lens housing, gently clean them with a microfiber cloth. As particles and greasy gunk builds up on the lens housing, it can cause the motor on the lens housing to fail. I've written a step-by-step article on cleaning a digital camera body that may help you avoid lens problems in the future.
