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Note: this camera was first sold in Jan 2008. There may be newer versions available.
Canon Powershot SD1100 IS
Canon Powershot SD1100 IS
B+
HQ Grade: B+
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 5 out of 5
"Great camera for the price"
  • 5 out of 5
"Good Choice in point & shoot cameras"
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Question Answered!
James Freeman (Jimbo9445) 1 pts
May 30, 2008 12:00 PM
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Does the lens mechanism fail on the SD1100 IS?

I read user reviews on Amazon that state that Canon 750 lens mechanism fail and the user gets an error message. The user reviews sound as if it is the end of the life of the camera, Canon will not admit to a problem and there is no way to repair the problem. Does the SD1100 IS use the same mechanism as the 750?
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Answers This question has been answered!
by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58445 pts
June 3, 2008 2:58 PM
0 people rated this answer helpful, 1 people rated this answer not helpful
 
Not to my knowledge. Most point and shoots do suffer from lens alignment issues due to wear and tear, but it can usually be fixed by cycling the camera on/off several times until it works it's way back on the track.
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Emiliana 11 pts
June 25, 2008 8:54 PM
2 people rated this answer helpful, 1 people rated this answer not helpful
 
I've heard (read) that it does, I've been researching this camera the ENTIRE day and so far have only read about two or three people who have complained that the lens gets stuck and what not, but that's two or three out of the hundreds of reviews about the Canon Powershot SD1100.
Best Answer
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58445 pts
June 26, 2008 1:08 PM
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It usually occurs if the camera is dropped or banged causing the lens to fall out of alignment. All on itself is a rarity.
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ibc 2 pts
September 17, 2008 8:31 AM
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google "sd1100 lens error". This is all-too common with this camera. When it happens, Canon will charge you $130 for the repair.

Not good.
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James Freeman (Jimbo9445) 1 pts
September 17, 2008 10:23 AM
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Thanks everyone for answering answering the question. Fear of having a new camera and telling my wife that it was broken and repairs would be expensive or nonexistent caused me to buy a Sony DSW120. I am sure that Digital Camera has awarded the points by now even though I would have liked other features of the Canon better.
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camerafail@xmas 0 pts
December 25, 2008 4:04 PM
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my SD1100 IS camera's lens just failed. I had to turn it on and off about 15 times to get it going again. I am slight ruff on the camera. I keep it in my purse. I purchased it 5 months ago! NG.
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Johanna 0 pts
February 8, 2009 8:50 PM
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I accidentally dropped my SD1100 IS and now the lens is stuck. Haven't had it a month. Wish it was more durable.
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Bob 2 pts
February 14, 2009 8:04 PM
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I've had my SD1100 for about 6 months. Treated very gently, NEVER dropped. Got a lens error today while taking pictures.
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ChicagoBleacherBums.com 0 pts
March 15, 2009 12:01 PM
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I have also had my camera for less than a year and while taking photos the lens stuck open. I got home and plugged it in to the computer and it retracted. I still get the lens error and now the lens won't come out. Also cannot get to the menu or reset. Boo to this camera! If you know how to fix for cheap please let me know before I sell this on ebay.
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K 0 pts
April 8, 2009 6:10 PM
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My camera just recently fell off of my desk, and the lens does not pop out. I've had frequent lens errors. I don't think it is very durable. I need a repair. DARN!
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Johanna 0 pts
April 8, 2009 10:53 PM
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I took my camera to local repair shop and they wanted $75 for lense repair. May as well buy new one.
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dk 0 pts
May 18, 2009 4:50 PM
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Same issue. Lens error after having the camera in my pocket during the day. Still have the issue.
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Rachael 0 pts
May 20, 2009 5:14 PM
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I have had this camera for two years. I recently recieved the lense error while taking pictures of my son. Now all the pictures are out of focus. Canon does not cover this type of error under warrenty so it is more cost effective to just buy a new camera. I am going with the SD790 because of the 3" lcd like the 1100. Curretly only costing $200, this might be a better way to go then the 1100.
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bbyemplyee 0 pts
May 31, 2009 2:45 AM
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i work with cameras. customers that come to my work tell me the same thing and this is the solution that 3 of them gave me: if its out of focus, try turning the outer rim of the lens (or the one that looks like a thicker layer) counterclockwise, but do this gently or else it will ruin the alignment again. then turn off the camera and give the battery a full charge. after that, turn it on and then off, a few times only. my customers say it does the trick for the time being, but ur lens will never be completely the same before it had the error.
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psychofisher 0 pts
June 8, 2009 10:40 PM
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I have an 1100 as well, and am getting the lens error. I did not drop it, and keep it in a shock/waterproof case. Seriously. This sucks, as I bought the camera 4 months ago. :-(
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Tiffany 0 pts
July 13, 2009 1:42 AM
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I'm so mad. I have this camera for more than a month now and the screen is blurry. I think it's the focus. It's not saying lens error but every time I turn it on, you can ear this disturbing sound as the lens focuses. As if a mini DVC tape is trying to rewind or something. It's making the screen blurry. However, it I zoom in half way, it's almost clear but not quite clear. Please help me. Thank You. How much for this kind of repair? thanks.
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happy 1 pts
July 28, 2009 3:14 PM
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My SD1100 was 14 months old and 2 months out of warranty, when the lens stuck in the extended position and the LCD said "lens error, restart camera". I filled out a online repair estimate request at the Canon website and Canon said they'd fix it for free as a the warranty repair. I sent it to them via UPS for $10 on a Tuesday, they had it by Thursday, repaired it on Friday and shipped it back to me (at their cost). I received it exactly one week after sending it in! I was very pleased with this service not only for it's promptness, but also since Canon repaired it even though it was past the one-year warranty. I'd read alot of bad things online about Canon refusing to fix this lens error problem (blaming user error, sand, impact from drops, etc.).
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Lindsey 5 pts
October 9, 2009 11:02 AM
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Hey guys, I had the lens error problem with my Canon SD1100 recently. The "Lens Error, Restart Camera" Message is typically caused by an issue within the Lens Assembly / Optical Unit of the camera. The camera will require repair but not to worry as it's pretty painless. Just don't smack / hit the camera as many people say to do, that often causes further issues and can throw off the focus in the optical unit as well. The best way to take care of this is to simply replace the Complete Lens Assembly with the Brand New Genuine Canon Part. I had my camera fixed by the guys at www.camerasandparts.com and they did just that & now my camera is working like new again! I HIGHLY recommend these guys! They're so friendly and they only work with Canons, so they are experts when it comes to fixing them. For $79, they'll install the Brand New Genuine Canon Lens Assembly, plus they completely service the camera. AND Return Priority Shipping is even included in the cost! Check out the link below, this will take you directly to the section of their website that specifically deals with lens error:

http://www.camerasandparts.com/coleerrese.html

During Checkout, use Promo Code: SAVE10NOW for an Instant $10.00 Off which is what makes the total only $79


I am so happy with their work, and I know you will be too!! :)
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