Knowing when to repair or buy new your camera can save you a lot of time and frustration. Whether your camera is emitting a strange error message you've never seen before or you simply find the shutter's not as fast as it used to be, you'll be surprised just how many problems have a deceptively simple solution. Here are a few tips to consider.

For example, let's say your camera is showing a strange error. Sometimes such errors are simply a glitch. You can make them go away by turning off your camera for a few seconds, then turning it back on. Other minute adjustments include tightening the lens where it's attached to the camera, replacing batteries, making sure the battery cover is tightly closed, and others. If you can make the error desist by using these methods, you'll save yourself the trouble of having it shipped to the manufacturing company. For more tips that are specific to your model and brand, try consulting your camera's manual. Calling a customer service representative is also a great way to get a hand.

Is your camera contaminated or soaked? As with any electronic, this depends on the degree of damage. For example, if your camera is water logged, try turning it off, taking out the batteries, opening all of its flaps, and letting it air dry. You'll be surprised at just how effective this method can be. Some recommend using blow dryers or ovens on their lowest setting. However, you run the risk of overheating your camera if you do this. Similarly, getting sand and grit in your camera is no fun, but you can actually accomplish quite a bit simply with a soft cloth or a pencil eraser.

Again, whether you should repair or buy new depends entirely on the state of the damage. If drying out your camera doesn't work, or if your camera is completely full of sand from being left on the beach, it may be less trouble to simply buy a replacement. Similarly, there are other signs that your camera is simply too old or too damaged to bother fixing. These include errors that are impossible to fox and make it impossible to work, such as cracked screens, frozen shutters, cameras that malfunction when exposed to lighting settings, and other such examples. Learn more today about whether to repair or buy new. You'll be glad you did!