Tips for Saving a Camera Dropped on a Hard Surface or Submerged in Water

Most cameras are not built for high impact or to be dropped in water. You can purchase such cameras but they don’t really shoot the high quality photos that a photographer wants or needs. If you own a camera that is not water or impact resistant you need to take extra care of your camera when you are out shooting. Depending where you drop your camera and where the impact occurs can have adverse effects on different parts of the camera. Dropping your camera in the water more than likely this will cause complete loss in functionality. Here are a few tips to use if you drop your camera or if it’s submerged in water.

Camera Dropped on Hard Surface

If your camera is dropped on a hard surface the first thing you need to do is check the condition the physical condition of the camera. Check to make sure there are no dents, scratches, cracks or broken parts on the camera. Next you want to check the condition of the lens. If the camera was OFF when it hit the ground the body may have protected the lens if it’s not a DSLR. If the camera was ON then take a look at the lens. If the lens has been broken, scratched or cracked then you will need to take it in for repair.

After checking the lens the next step is to check that the camera is still functional.  Try turning the camera on and check all functionality. Be sure and check the zoom to see it’s stuck or moves in an irregular motion. Also check to see if the lens was possibly bent. This might be an easy fix without much effort. Last try shooting off a few photos and make sure everything works correctly and there is no abnormalities in your photos. If the camera no longer turns ON or some on the functions do not work properly then take it in for repair.

Camera Dropped in Water

If your camera is dropped in water when the camera is ON more than likely the camera is done. You will probably have to go buy a new camera. If the camera was turned OFF then dry off the camera and remove the batteries and memory card. More than likely water has reached all circuits and the sensor. You can try drying the camera out with a hair dryer and then letting it sit for a week or so to let all water evaporate. Afterwards with batteries and memory still out take the camera in for repair.

It’s hard to save a damaged camera and you will probably have to take the camera in for repair. Use your camera carefully and try to avoid these type of accidents.

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