How to Repair a Digital Camera with Water Damage

Water damage can seem like a serious problem in digital cameras. However, it is entirely possible to permanently repair the damage. You don’t have to be an expert in digital camera repair, and it takes just a few simple steps to rectify the problem. For this project, you will need to work in a dry, well-ventilated space.

Step 1 – Diagnosing the Problem

Before you try to fix your digital camera, you will first need to diagnose the severity of the problem. How much water did you get onto the camera? Was it completely submerged or was it only exposed to a few drops? The more water the camera was exposed to, the more damage is likely to have been done.

Step 2 – Keep the Camera Off

This is perhaps the most important step. Once you turn the camera on, it can make the problem much worse. Always leave the camera switched off until it has completely dried out.

Step 3 – Dry Out the Camera

There are two main ways in which you can dry out the camera. Firstly, you can place the camera in a well ventilated, dry area. Make sure that you remove or open the camera doors and shutter first. This way, air will get into the camera and get rid of the moisture.

Alternatively, you can place the camera in a box filled with rice or silica gel. If the camera didn’t get excessively wet, you will only need to leave it overnight. However, if it was exposed to a lot of water, you should leave it in the box for up to 7 days. It might be worth leaving the camera for a week regardless of how much water it was exposed to. This way, you will know that you have left it for long enough.

Step 4 – Use Your Hairdryer

If the camera hasn’t been exposed to too much water, a hairdryer could be the best solution. This will gently dry out the inside of the camera. Do not use the higher setting on the hairdryer. If you do, it could force the water around to other areas of the camera. This will cause further damage that may be irreversible so always keep it on the lowest setting possible.

Step 5 – Fixing Salt Water Problems

If you drop the camera in salt water, the probably will typically be more extensive. Salt is corrosive, and unless quickly cleaned out, your camera could end up completely ruined. Take you camera apart as soon as possible and wipe with clean water. Once you have cleaned the salt water out, follow either of the two previous steps to dry the camera out.

Step 6 – New Batteries

When you have dried the camera out, you may need to add new batteries if it still isn't working. This will most likely be the last possible solution. If it doesn’t work, you will need to either replace the camera or take it to a repair store for further inspection.