Casio released the Casio Exilim EX-S500 digital camera in May 2005. The EX-S500 is a point-and-shoot compact camera with a 5-megapixel sensor and 3X built-in zoom. It can take relatively high-quality movies at resolutions up to 640x480 pixels and has anti-shake and noise-reduction features. The age of the camera makes warranty coverage unlikely, but you can solve most problems yourself with a few troubleshooting steps.
Instructions
1. Eliminate the battery as a source of problems. The lithium-ion battery for the Casio Casio Exilim EX-S500 can't live forever. Charge the battery to full and try turning on the camera; if there's no response, there's a good chance the battery is bad and needs to be replaced. A battery that isn't fully charged can lead to a few problems, such as the camera powering down during the self-timer phase, the autofocus failing to engage. and the file-transfer process being interrupted. If the battery charges and the camera powers up, proceed to Step 2.
2. Take a few photos in different light conditions. Examine your photos for problem spots. Common photographic problems that can be troubleshot include spots on the images, dark images, and blurry images. These don't necessarily mean that the camera has a physical problem; these types of images are a result of shooting conditions and camera settings at odds. For dark images, adjust the Casio EX-S500's exposure controls to add electronic brightness.
Blurry images mean that the shutter is moving too slowly or that the sensor is responding too slowly. Increase the sensitivity (ISO) from the menu on shooting mode to have the sensor respond more quickly, or increase the shutter speed in manual mode (M) to have the camera fire rapidly. Also use a tripod and the EX-S500's self-timer to steady the camera before a shot; this will reduce shaking and make for sharper images. If spots and distortion appear after these steps, move on to Step 3.
3. Examine the camera's lens. Power the camera on so that the lens cover opens, and look closely at the lens glass in a well-lit room. Any specks of dust and scratches that are big enough to cause distortion in your photos should be visible. You can use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the lens.
Scratches are a bigger problem; a compact digital camera's lens can't be replaced for less than the cost of a new camera.
4. Swap memory cards if your camera isn't recording images when the shutter button is pressed down. When you don't use your camera for a long time, the contacts on the memory card can build up residue that make communication difficult between the card and the camera. If another memory card works, it might be time to get rid of the old one.
5. Check the USB connectivity of the Casio Exilim EX-S500. Plug the camera in to its provided USB cable and attach the other end of the cable to your PC. Turn on the computer and let it boot fully.
Turn on the camera and wait for a response from the computer, which should identify the camera and ask you to transfer files. Consider reinstalling the Casio software if the Photo and Scanner Wizard does not appear, and check for updated firmware and drivers from the Casio website.
Tags: Casio Exilim, Casio Exilim EX-S500, Exilim EX-S500, camera lens, dark images, digital camera