The joy of digital photography came come to an abrupt halt if your camera fails to operate correctly or is physically broken, due to accident or neglect. Despite the advanced technology and careful design and construction, there are many moving parts in a digital camera, which means some of them can fail. Camera bodies are made for some rugged treatment, but dropping your camera on or against hard surfaces can destroy the delicate workings as well as shatter the case. If your camera does break, then there are a series of clear-headed steps you should take; and PhotographyTalk.com article will guide you through your hurt. 

Remain Calm.
It may not be easy, especially if your camera is scattered in parts and pieces across a parking lot, for example. The first step is to take a deep breath and control your emotions. If you’re the kind of person who relieves stressful moments with some expletives, then make sure there are no children within listening range. Losing your cool for more than moment may make it more difficult to solve your problem.

Gather the Wreckage.
One way to take control of the situation is to focus on the important task of finding all the camera parts. This is especially true if your catastrophe occurs outdoors or in a public place. Don’t hesitate to ask others to help you. If it happens at home or in your studio, then you already have a controlled environment and more time to look under furniture, etc. Make sure you grab every little piece, even if it looks insignificant. Put the camera body in a large plastic bag or container and all the little parts in a separate bag to protect them from any further damage or dirt, or being lost.

Remove the Battery.
Depending on the severity of damage, the camera battery may be one of those pieces to find. The breakage may have only occurred inside the camera, which is a “break” for you; but you should still turn off the camera and remove the battery immediately. If the camera tries to operate in its damaged condition, more delicate parts may be destroyed.

Preserve the Memory Card.
The second item to remove is the memory card, so you can retrieve the digital photos stored there. Despite the destruction from a hard bounce on concrete or a complete immersion in water, the data on the memory card should remain intact because it’s built with solid-state electronics. Water can cause corrosion on many camera parts, but is unlikely to affect the memory card, unless your camera was exposed to some kind of electrical discharge. Remove the memory card quickly and wipe it clean of moisture and debris. 

Recommended Cleaning Supplies:

• Nikon Lens Pen Cleaning System
• Zeiss Pre-Moistened Lens Cloths Wipes
• Canon Optical Digital Camera and Lens Cleaning Kit
• Giottos AA1900 Rocket Air Blaster Large
• Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth
• Giottos CL1001 Large Cleaning Kit with Small Rocket Blaster
• Hoodman Lens Cleanse Natural Cleaning Kit

Don’t Add to the Damage.
You may think your camera appears to be slightly broken, so if you put this piece in its place and move this piece to where it belongs, you can fix it. Wrong! Don’t compound the accident by playing the fool. You’re simply not qualified to repair a malfunctioning camera or one that is in pieces. Any attempts you may make will likely break it further and cost you more to repair when you give it to those who are qualified.

Keep Your Receipt and Warranty Where You Can Find Them Easily.
Create a specific place to file or store your camera-purchase receipt and warranty because you’ll want to refer to them before you submit the camera for repair. Better yet, read and know the details of the warranty thoroughly as soon as you buy the camera. You’ll panic less when the breakage occurs, if you know your camera will be covered wholly or partially by warranty. As much as it might hurt, it’s also better to know in advance that the warranty doesn’t cover accidents, which are considered negligence, legally, or other occurrences. That knowledge may help you to be more careful and avoid accidents. You should also take your camera for repair as soon as possible, especially if the warranty is soon to expire.

Look at Your Insurance Policy.
The accident or event that led to your disaster may not qualify for repairs under the warranty, but your homeowner’s or renter’s policy might. All of your insurance policies should also be stored in that easy-to-access place where you’ve placed your camera warranty. If the policy isn’t clear about whether it covers your camera (insurance policies are known for being confusing), then call your agent as soon as possible for all the details.

Understand Your Repair Choices.
The severity of the malfunction or breakage will probably determine whether your camera can be repaired locally or must be sent to the manufacturer. The warranty or your insurance policy may dictate the repair procedure. Probably, your best first step is to take the camera to the retail store where you bought it or a local camera or photography shop for a preliminary evaluation. Many of them, as well as the top manufacturers, are more likely to provide you with a free estimate. Even if you’re a regular customer of a local camera shop, visit more than one, so you have a range of repair choices and prices. Finally, don’t be surprised if the repairs cost more than buying a new camera.

Rent While You Wait.
If you’re were about to go on vacation or had scheduled a specific photography session or trip, then consider renting a camera and/or lens while yours is being repaired. It will add to your costs during the repair period, but, in some cases, it’s a viable option.

Be Prepared to Replace.
While your local camera shop or manufacturer is making that preliminary examination of your camera, prepare yourself for the possibility of replacing your camera. Buying a new camera may not be your only option (and may not be financially possible). You may be able to find a used or reconditioned camera that is newer than your model online, from the local photography shop or other sources.

Your Broken Camera May Still Have Value.
The free estimate may determine that your camera or lens is not repairable. That’s a low blow, but it may still have some working parts that others will buy. A local shop that repairs cameras may offer you some money for it, or you can sell it online. You won’t receive much for it, but it won’t be a total loss.

The Best Excuse for a New Camera.
Sometimes, a broken camera simply can’t be repaired, except for a prohibitive amount of money. Psychologically, it’s better to forget the past and assume a positive attitude for the future. Maybe, now, you have the best reason to buy the latest digital camera technology, and your spouse, family and friends could hardly blame you, especially if they expect you to be taking many digital photos during an approaching vacation, family gathering or other special event.

Recommended Reading:

• Nikon Camera Repair Handbook
• Camera Maintenance & Repair, Book 1: Fundamental Techniques
• Camera Maintenance & Repair, Book 2: Advanced Techniques
• Jump Start Your Photography 3 DVD Set
• 50 Fast Digital Camera Techniques
• Digital SLR Cameras and Photography For Dummies