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July 26, 2010
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Need Some Advice (Camera Issues)

Journal Entry: Mon Jul 26, 2010, 12:48 PM
  • Mood: Worried
  • Listening to: Rush






Need Some Advice (Camera Issues)


Hello All!



First, I'm continuing to sell prints and have added updated information in my journal for those who may be interested.



Second, I'm posting this specific journal to see if I can get some advice/tips regarding some camera issues I've been having. Specific, if anyone with job-experience with Best Buy is interested, I'd very much appreciate some feedback.



The Problem



For quite some time, I've been having some issues with the camera I use to take the photos I post here. The camera is a Sony DSC-H7 and has been pretty good for the 3 years I've been using it. However, I've been increasingly noticing several problems with it. Some of these problems are minor, but one in particular has been compromising more and more shots.



Seemingly at random, the photos files on the camera will become corrupted. Whether viewing the photos from the camera's display or on the computer, some of the photos I take in a given session will not be accessible. I've tried to use software to fix the photos in question, but to no avail. I had assumed this was an issue with my memory cards, though this will occur with new/different types of memory cards, which can be used in other devices without issue. This is naturally quite problematic since some of the shots that have been corrupted are irreplaceable. If the problem persists, this would decrease the viability of using the camera with any kind of frequency.



I purchased the camera at Best Buy with a service plan which remains in effect. I took the camera back with a description of the problem and it was sent in for servicing. However, since the problem occurs at random, the staff could not replicate the problem and thus, it was returned without being fixed. I have sent it in once more with a set of batteries and memory cards including some examples of the files that have been corrupted. However, despite a very sympathetic staff that I dealt with, I got the sense that it would be very tricky to fix or get approval for a replacement. To be frank, I feel a little bit cheated that I bought a service plan that would neither fix my camera or ensure a replacement, despite the fact I have taken exceptional care of the device.



Given that the photos I take on this camera are currently my only source of income, it would be very upsetting if the camera could not be fixed or replaced. I will not have the funds in the foreseeable future to get a new camera.



I'm wondering, is there anyone out there that has any experience or advice that they could offer? I'd very much appreciate the help



Thanks!



-Kuba





Prints Available




:star:Specialty Prints:star:



Animal Polaroids!





New for 2010 are some special animal Polaroids available for purchase. Get up close and personal with 10 fantastic animals showing off for the camera. They make for great, unique souvenirs and could be fantastic decor for your den!



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Calendars!



12 months, 12 of your favourite HeWhoWalksWithTigers photos customized by month!



1 for $25


2 for $45


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:star:Traditional Prints:star:



4 x 6 Print



1 for $5


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1 for $10


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1 for $20


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Prices are in US dollars. Shipping will be calculated based on buyer's place of residence to ensure the lowest possible cost. I will ship anywhere in the world. Prices will change subject to any changes in production costs, including those which drive costs down.



Payment



Paypal is preferred. Please contact me by note or email (hewhowalkswithtigers [at] gmail.com) to discuss alternative methods. My Paypal account is the same as my email so on the off chance you feel like throwing money at me, that's the place to send it.



Why buy from you? What do you have to offer that others don't?



I would like to think that my work speaks for itself. However, there are more reasons. When you buy prints from me, you know that you are supporting someone you know rather than some large multi-national corporation. Also, as I'm currently in the hunt for a job, the income I get from my prints is very much appreciated. When I do find work, the income I'll receive from my prints will help me work towards buying a more advanced camera, which will ultimately assist me in providing more photos of greater technical quality. Furthermore, this will help in my goal on DeviantArt of raising more awareness for conservation and the animals I photograph.



Examples of My Work


When in high-school, I wanted to be a wildlife photographer. I took courses in photography and art, but after finding out about tigers and how endangered they are, I decided to dedicate my life to saving them. However, I still am involved in photography as a hobby. It is through my photography I wish to inform people about the world's most endangered animals and inspire people to help.
























Add a Comment:
 
:iconamaipeach:
~amaipeach Aug 10, 2010  Hobbyist Traditional Artist
How did things go with the camera?
Reply
:iconhewhowalkswithtigers:
*HeWhoWalksWithTigers Aug 11, 2010  Hobbyist Photographer
It's back for a third time. =/
Reply
:iconamaipeach:
~amaipeach Aug 11, 2010  Hobbyist Traditional Artist
they should just replace the darn thing if they can't replace it...If it's back a third time, I can almost (but not quite) guarantee you they're not even trying to fix it. Best of luck though...hopefully you get it back soon.
Reply
:iconhewhowalkswithtigers:
*HeWhoWalksWithTigers Aug 12, 2010  Hobbyist Photographer
Yeah... I got that sense too. I believe if they haven't I can get a replacement, but I still expect them to hassle me.
Reply
:iconamaipeach:
~amaipeach Aug 12, 2010  Hobbyist Traditional Artist
Well, hopefully it works out in your favour
Reply
:iconamaipeach:
~amaipeach Jul 26, 2010  Hobbyist Traditional Artist
I'll be totally honest with you...Best Buy and Future Shop have really crappy benefit plans. They won't take the camera in for repairs regardless of the age or replicating the issues. When I worked for the Source, we had a lot of customers coming in stating that our ACP (advantage care plans) were far superior to those of Best Buy and Future Shop. Regardless of whether or not we could duplicate it in the store, we sent it away for repairs and let the repair shop take care of it. We had one customer come in who's camera was doing something similar to yours. We sent it away, and they sent him a brand new one (same model though) simply because they could not fix the problem.

I'm definitely going to say put your foot down. Tell them you bought the plan for this reason, and the reason for the plan is to have your camera be taken care of when something goes wrong. Even if the staff says "We can't see the problem, therefore there is no problem." Ask to speak to a manager, if that doesn't work, take it one step further and ask for the number of the district manager. I mean, they should take it just because you've purchased the service. They shouldn't turn you down at all.

The best thing about Best Buy is their selection, where are the Source, their selection is slim. You're going to have to keep going back until they take it, or until your warranty finally ends. But they shouldn't be turning you down, you're a valued customer, and you can easily take your business else where. You gotta put your foot down though. You need to make a bit of a stink. You honestly will not get anywhere if you don't. As compassionate as they are, they're not being fair. Go over the terms of your warranty with them. It's not not physical damage, it's not water damage, it is in fact, mechanical issue.

Good luck
Reply
:iconhewhowalkswithtigers:
*HeWhoWalksWithTigers Jul 26, 2010  Hobbyist Photographer
Thank you very much for your insight. I really appreciate that. =3
Reply
:iconamaipeach:
~amaipeach Jul 27, 2010  Hobbyist Traditional Artist
You're welcome.
Reply
:iconamandas-sketches:
~amandas-sketches Jul 26, 2010   General Artist
Oh no! That does not sound promising at all. I know next to nothing about camera hardware so I am afraid I can not help you. And you don't have money for a new one. I hope someone on here at least a thing or two about cameras. Wish I could help.
Reply
:iconmacropus-rufus:
My suggestion is just to be FIRM with them... Best Buy legally has to help you, since you bought the service plan
...Get Nikon or Canon next time, fool! XD
Reply
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