I would like to disassemble my Canon IXUS camera but I don’t have the correct screwdrivers. I’ve lost many screwdrivers given to me by my more knowledgeable uncle and don’t want to use a blunt blade since I’ve stripped many screw before like that.
Likely you’ll need a JIS screwdriver set. they look like Philips but are not.
A set of what are often sold as jewellers screwdrivers is usually all you will need. However a lot of modern stuff also uses the very small Torx screwdrivers. These are often sold for mobile phone dissection. I have pulled apart a fairly old Canon IXUS, and don’t remember needing anything more than these.
If you do take it apart, I hope you are only doing so for interest’s sake. Getting one back together again is non-trivial. There are lots of connectors inside, and you need to have quite a bit of manual dexterity to work with them, and some good idea about what it is you doing.
And, important rule for screwdrivers. Don’t use a screwdriver that is too small for the head. People have a terrible habit of doing this, using a screwdriver that engages the head enough to turn it, but isn’t large enough to properly fit, and thus they burr the edges of the screw or the screwdriver cams out. Usually both. You end up with damaged screw heads, sometimes so badly that the screw becomes useless.
ETA jz78817 makes a critically important point. If you want to do this properly, there are a range of cross headed screwdriver types. JIS will almost certainly be the right ones for this camera. There are subtle differences in how the shape of the driver is set up, and for a perfect fit and damage free driving, this matters.
That looks like a simple Phillips head screw to me.
If you really unsure take it to the hardware store with you and show it to the guy there.
Many a JIS screw has been stripped by someone who said “looks like a Phillips!”
What size of the screwdriver ‘end’ would I be looking for?
:smack:Ah, I see you’re familiar with my work.
Can I gently suggest that you start with something simpler than this camera, unless it is dead and you are stripping it down without any intention of it working afterward?
The reason I say this is is that your questions are so basic that you clearly have absolutely no idea what you are doing. There’s nothing wrong with that, we all have to start somewhere. But if you are hoping to carry out effective repair, maybe start with something far simpler.
Oh no don’t worry, It’s not a repair but rather me trying take out and sell the digital lens optimizer. Not sure how much I’ll make but eh…At least I’ll also gain some experience.
I was given this by a relative in fully working condition. I don’t need it to work effectively as I have another camera.
Got a Harbor Freight store near by? Invest in these:
https://s25.postimg.org/4ukl60psv/S5030341.jpg
I paid $7 for mine.
Wait, what?
I don’t know over-much about digital cameras, and I know even less about Canons in specific, but google tells me that “digital lens optimizer” is not a piece of hardware, but an image-processing technique to alter a digital image to compensate for the effects of the lens optics.
So, from my limited and shallow acquaintance, it sounds like you’re saying you’re disassembling a laptop to pull out and sell Microsoft Word, or you’re having surgery to correct a malformed sense of humor. 
Camera-savvy folks, please tell me I’m wrong.
Relatively value-added ETA: I live and die (ok, slight exaggeration) by my iFixit Pro Tech toolkit. Much more expensive than the earlier Harbor Freight suggestion, but I consider tools an investment and this kit is very versatile for disassembling and re-assembling compact electronics like what you’ve got there.
I don’t know about this particular camera, but some cameras (from what I can find online) do have an onboard chip that is a digital lens optimizer. For example, here is one in a Canon Mark IV.
But, yeah, everything else says it’s typically just a part of software. I don’t think an IXUS would have a discrete component like that, but who knows.
At any rate, I would ask our OP to clarify where they’ve gotten this information. Even if there is a discrete IC, removal would take a little know-how, and what is the market for this? I looked on eBay, and haven’t found anyone selling such a thing. I would think just selling the whole busted camera for parts would be easier and more economically advantageous. (ETA: Oh, it’s not busted… it’s fully working, which makes me even more confused.)
Maybe the OP means an optical image stabilizer? That can be a separate movable lens. Though I wouldn’t think there is much of a used market for those. And even if there was one, I’m sure a complete “for parts” camera is worth a lot more than just one of the parts inside.
I would just use a small jeweler’s screwdriver. Pick up a set (or an interchangable) type one at whatever hardware store suits your needs. They’re good to have around the house anyways. If you haven’t tried anything yet, it sure looks like a regular, though small, phillips bit will work just fine. Even if it is JIS, it’s not like it’s going to be in all that tight.
IIRC, but I don’t have one within an arms reach to look at (I might be able to grab one later), the cheap 4 in 1 screwdrivers from Harbor Freight have a JIS bit. When I was trying to dismantle the carb on my Honda that’s what was being recommended since it’s almost impossible to get an actual JIS bit locally.
Looks like JIS from the squared-out slots.
Why not just sell the camera if it’s in working condition? Parting out a broken camera makes sense, but I don’t see any advantage in cannibalizing a working camera.
I would just like to take the opportunity to thank you for the heads up on JIS screwdrivers. Never realized they existed till now… It explains much, concerning some of my “driver frustrations” of the past.
Yes, those are confusing. They’re known as security screws and no household tools work except for the hammer. 
Be careful - the flash uses a high powered capacitor that can deliver a verynasty shock if mishandled.