What the F is wrong with my camera?

October 24, 2011 12:22 PM

What the F is wrong with my camera?I have a Canon PowerShot SD 1200 Digital Elph. As of today, when I try to transfer pictures from the camera to my laptop (Mac) via USB, the camera has a hissy fit -- it makes a bunch of clicking noises, all the lights flash, and it turns itself off. What is going on, and is there anything I can do to fix it?
posted by sideofwry to Technology (3 answers total)

You could pick up a cheap USB card reader (assuming you don't have a MacBook that has one built in) and use that to transfer pictures instead.
posted by bcwinters at 12:53 PM on October 24, 2011

I'd say you need to work out if it's the camera, the cable, or your laptop's USB port that's causing the problem.

So the first step is to plug the camera into a different computer using the same cable. If it's still screwy, maybe try a different cable. They you'll have a better idea of what the problem is.
posted by le morte de bea arthur at 12:56 PM on October 24, 2011

I will second what le morte de bea arthur has advised. Three days ago I almost bought a new phone because it was acting all screwy when I tried to charge it (back light wouldn't shut off, and it wasn't making the indicator sound when plugged in, and other weirdness). I happened to locate a usb cable that had that same size connector-end-thingy, so I just tried it, and yes, it totally turned out just to be a problem with the charger cable, although I treat it well, it had no visible signs of wear, and I'd never had a problem with it.

This could very, very easily have nothing to do with your camera, is what I'm saying. Don't despair quite yet. Test that cable first.
posted by heyho at 2:40 PM on October 24, 2011