I have a Coolpix 5700 that has worked fine for about the last three years. When I turned it on recently the preview (and captured) images were distorted and very blurry, there was a fine line splitting the screen and odd yellow-green haloes around images.
According to an online Nikon forum this sounds like a defect in the sensor (manufactured by Sony) and some people have had the company fix it for free (customer pays shipping charge).
Has anyone here had this experience and dealt with Nikon on the issue recently?
At three years out, you are likely SOL. It certainly sounds like a sensor problem and it’s way out of warrenty. Nikon might repair it (at your expense) but the cost will be similar to purchasing a new (and significantly better) camera.
FWIW, 3 years is pretty good amount of use to get from a digital camera. They are consumer electronics and they don’t last forever. They are not designed to be repaired unless you are talking top of the line, and even then they are often not worth the effort.
Do you have the same results when viewing the uploaded images on your computer?
In other words, are the actual images affected, or just what you see on the camera’s monitor?
If the images look okay on your computer, I’d say the monitor on the camera is shot.
:smack:
I just noticed your parenthetical note about ‘captured’ images.
Never mind me…
Yeah I’d say time to get a new camera. And if you wanna stick with Nikon, their Coolpix line is still pretty affordable, depending on the model. They start around $150 or so and go up from there. If you’re upset your camera didn’t last longer, maybe consider buying one from a place that sells extended warranties. The place I work at does and they are useful if you plan on keeping your camera for years because at least where I work, if you get the accidental damage plan, you can crack your LCD once a year and get it replaced each time, etc. You can step on it and get a new one too. Accidental damage is the way to go if you don’t want to have to part with it for a few years.
To update this:
Nikon e-mailed me today to let me know there is a service advisory out on the Coolpix5700 reflecting a known defect:
“While only a limited number of COOLPIX 3100, 5700 and SQ digital cameras are affected by this advisory, if your camera presents symptoms that can include (1) images with a strong color tint, (2) images that are totally black and/or (3) images with visible defects, Nikon will, upon confirmation that the problem is associated to this Service Advisory, service your camera free of charge.”
So I should be out only the shipping charge.
I’ve got a CoolPix 990 - with the swivel lens - quite old at five but still works pretty darn good. And it was a reman!
Have you been to NikonUsa dot com and updated drivers? I’ve had Nikon View crap out on me a couple of times and upgrading to a newer driver helped. I try to keep my electronics drivers as up-to-date as possible. Some things can last a long time if you don’t let the kids touch them.
Hopefully they determine that what happened with your camera is in fact covered by the recall. That would be sweet.
Mine was a Sony camera, not Nikon, but was affected by the same manufacturing defect in the sensor component. Sony repaired it for free even though it was way out of warranty. I think the other manufacturers are doing the same, either because of a class action ruling, or in order to fend one off.
Update - I sent the camera to Nikon Service and they have confirmed that they’re repairing the camera at no charge. 