My coolpic S4 does not hold a battery charge for any time & pictures are dark (indoor & out), any insight?

I dont think it is related to the flash, as it happens both indoors and out. I am using propery batteries and have replaced them numerous times! No other problems with the camera at all, I am very happy with it, with this exception. However, photos need to be "lightened" before printing due to darkness.

Andrew, I appreciate the response. I did contact Nikon, as you suggested, they agreed with you on the possible connection problem. I realize the reviews are not great on this camera but I really love it - with the exception, of course, of the lighting problem. I continure to be hopeful that there is another reason for the dark photos. Clearly, you are knowledgable, but I also appreciate you taking the time to provide me with another resource to contact and your polite response. Thank You! Cindy

Cindy,

What types of situations are you in when the lighting problem occurs? Is it a particular time of day when it occurs? Do you have the issue during bright daylight? I might be able to better trouble shoot it if there is a difference here.

Andrew

Thanks for the follow up. All types of situatiions. But, outside in bright light is ok. Less light outside causes a problem, even on the beach or at the ballpark, on a less than full sunshine day, I need to go to Wallgreen and enhance the light prior to printing. Inside the flash is not strong enough at all, dont get me wrong the camera can be used but almost all pictures need light engancement prior to printing. I really dont want to give up the other features of the camera such as the strong optical zoom!

P.S. I am new to this, did I (or how do I) award you with earned points? Thanks again, any additional thoughts, please let me know.

Cindy

Cindy,

This may be a scene mode setting issue on the camera. Are you in "auto" mode when this is happening? If so, slide the mode selector to "SCENE" on your camera and then press the "MENU" button. A group of icons should appear on the screen that depict different situations you might be taking a photo in. You can see a description of these scenes in your camera's manual starting on page 28.

Another possible fix to the brightness issue is to adjust the compensation level. In "auto" mode, press menu, then scroll to select "Exp. x/-" to adjust this. The higher you go, the brighter your picture will be, the lower you go, the darker.

As for awarding earned points, when first entering your question, you set how many points you want it to be worth. When you select an answer to your question as "best," the site awards the person that presented that answer with the point value you first assigned. Good luck and happy shooting. Let me know if these fixes work for you.

Andrew

OK Andrew, I will experiment with the different "mode settings" - I have changed them in the past, but paid no attention to the effect they had on the lighting. Never occured to me! Thanks for pointing me in this direction. Same with the (x/-).

As for the points you should have received them, if not please let me know. Thanks again, will let you know how my experiment turns out. Cindy

Cindy,

I'm glad we could help. Let us know how things turn out for you. While I did receive the points, I'm more interested in making sure your question is answered fully. Please come back with any other questions or issues.

Andrew