Canon PowerShot SD700 IS Troubleshooting

No matter what you do, you can't get your camera to turn on

The first step is to recharge the battery. Let the battery charge for at least 3 hours before placing it back into the camera. If the camera still does not turn on, then your battery may need to be replaced

If you have replaced the battery and it still does not turn on, then the problem may be that a wire or component on the motherboard may have come loose. If not, a component on the motherboard could have gone bad.

Turn the camera off and remove the memory card out of the memory card slot. On the side of the memory card there is a tiny plastic piece which slides back and forth. This small piece of plastic locks and unlocks the memory card. Slide this switch to the opposite side it is on now and this will unlock the memory card. Once this is done return the card to the camera and it should work fine. You can use the switch to ensure images aren't inadvertently erased.

Lens will not extend/retract or E18 flashes on screen before turning off

Over time, camera cases often accumulate sand, dirt and other forms of debris that can cling to the camera by electrostatic build up between the camera and the case. Once this dirt builds up inside the camera, a number of errors such as the “E18 lens error” can appear.

This can occur when the camera is turned on in a confined space. This causes the lens barrel to jam, resulting in the E-18 error.

If you notice that the lens is attempting to move, but the movement is limited, the gears operating the lens motor may be jammed or broken and need to be reset, repaired, or replaced.

If the camera is dropped or accidentally damaged while the lens barrel is extended, this can cause the barrel to bend resulting in the E-18 error.

If the lens does not move when the camera is turned on, the motor is likely to be damaged. Verify proper operation by using the zoom button. If the lens is not responding to the command in any way, the motor is most likely dead. A replacement motor will be needed for continued usage of the camera.

It is difficult to read the LCD screen

If the lens is not extending, make sure that the battery is fully charged. Charge the battery and turn on again. If it still does not work, you may have to replace the battery.

If you have replaced the battery and it still does not turn on, then the problem may be that a wire or component on the motherboard may have come loose. If not, a component on the motherboard could have gone bad.

The brightness of the LCD screen depends on the exterior lighting reflecting the camera. When outside there will be a stronger glare due to the sun so increase the brightness of the LCD screen accordingly.

If adjusting the brightness and contrast of the LCD does not resolve the dark LCD screen perhaps the problem is a faulty or dead back light. If this is indeed a problem, the back light will need to be replaced.

The screen is cracked

The LCD is sensitive to extreme temperatures and easily prone to physical damage. Cracked LCD screens can be the result of reckless handling and leaving the camera in a cold or hot place; the liquid in the LCD display will contract or expand, respectively. A cracked LCD can be replaced with proper instructions.