DC4800 Problem - Please Help

[Robert Gibbs]

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past 15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5 pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

 

[GeorgeH]

Try removing the battery and letting it set for about 5 minutes, then turn it back on. If this does not work, call Kodak and have them fix it.

The same thing happened to my 4800, I had to return it to Kodak for repair.

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

 

[Robert Gibbs]

The same thing happened to my 4800, I had to return it to Kodak for
repair.

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

 

[Robert Gibbs]

The same thing happened to my 4800, I had to return it to Kodak for
repair.

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

 

[Robert Gibbs]

The same thing happened to my 4800, I had to return it to Kodak for
repair.

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

 

[richtersl]

You may want to see if Kodak's support page for the DC4800 has anything to offer:

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/products/ekn006609.jhtml

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

--
Linda

 

[Robert Gibbs]

I have decided that I am not going to spend the minimum of $150 that Kodak wants to repair the camera and then only give me a 30 day warranty. I will go with the Canon Powershot G2 and forget about purchasing any future Kodak products. There response to this problem is really a shame since I have tried to buy US owned company products (this was my third Kodak digital camera having previously owned a DC120 and a DC240) but with a service life of only 15 months on this DC4800 I will take my business elsewhere.

[email protected]

The same thing happened to my 4800, I had to return it to Kodak for
repair.

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

 

[Robert Gibbs]

[email protected]

The same thing happened to my 4800, I had to return it to Kodak for
repair.

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

 

[Steve59466]

Have you tried:

1.) using a diefferent CF card?

2.) gong into settings menu and "reseting" the camera settings to default? There is a menu item there for this.
3.) Maybe try reinstalling the firmware update?

just suggestions...

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/products/ekn006609.jhtml

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

--
Linda

 

[Robert Gibbs]

The problem is that I cannot even get to the menu settings since the back LCD will never come up. Tried two other CF cards and same problem.

There are no sounds from the camera and as I said the lens doesn't even move and then goes off. Looks like I have a dead DC4800. Thanks

[email protected]

1.) using a diefferent CF card?
2.) gong into settings menu and "reseting" the camera settings to
default? There is a menu item there for this.
3.) Maybe try reinstalling the firmware update?

just suggestions...

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/products/ekn006609.jhtml

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

--
Linda

 

[Mark E (Flask)]

I think you would face the same situation with other vendors -- your camera is out of warranty. $100-$200 for a camera repair is very common.
The 30-day warranty is probably on the labor, not the parts.

I agree that a 15-month old DC4800 is probably not worth repairing since cameras with similar features and capabilities are no longer in the $400-$500 range.

[email protected]

The same thing happened to my 4800, I had to return it to Kodak for
repair.

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

 

[Mark W]

I think you would face the same situation with other vendors --
your camera is out of warranty. $100-$200 for a camera repair is
very common.
The 30-day warranty is probably on the labor, not the parts.

I agree that a 15-month old DC4800 is probably not worth repairing
since cameras with similar features and capabilities are no longer
in the $400-$500 range.

Hmmm. You can't buy an equivalent new camera for less than $350. In some sense, you can't buy an equivalent new camera (one with a 28mm wide angle) for less than $700 (Nikon CP5000 or Minolta DImage7 are about it for 28mm wide angle). Used DC4800s go for $300+ on ebay--if you're not going to keep it, you ought to at least spend the $150 to have it fixed and then sell it (along with your accessories). Or sell it as is with the info about the $150 flat rate repair fee.

 

[richtersl]

Sorry you're experiencing all these problems, but the DC4800 support web site DOES have something to offer for what sounds like a "dead 4800" issue. Don't know if this would apply to you but it might be worth a shot:

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/tib/tib4258.shtml ;jsessionid=RYVDTZDVU5PJHQHIO3JHWGY

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

--
Linda

 

[Robert Gibbs]

Thanks for the suggestion but already tried this with no luck. I guess it must be dead. Is there any value in an inop DC4800 for somebody who might want to send it in for repair. Just a thought. My Canon Powershot G2 is on the way.

[email protected]

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/tib/tib4258.shtml ;jsessionid=RYVDTZDVU5PJHQHIO3JHWGY

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

--
Linda

 

[daye]

Are you the one who complained on the AnAndTech Forum?

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

 

[Robert Gibbs]

I made an entry on the Hot Deals section (thread about the accessories that are now on sale at the Kodak site). It was NOT a complaint but a STATEMENT of the 15 month service life of this DC4800 ($550/15 months or a little less that $40 per month). In my opinion a very poor value (and purchase on my part).

[email protected]

I have been using my DC4800 with absolutely no problem for the past
15 months and all of a sudden last week I had taken about 5
pictures (on a blank CF card) and the camera shuts down and the low
battery light is the only thing that shows in the top LCD. The
camera then shuts off. I checked and recharged two batteries (both
Kodak). When I try to turn the camera on now the only thing that
happens is that the low battery light comes on and the camera then
shuts off. The lens never extends and there are no sounds from the
camera. I tried using the AC adapter and the only thing that shows
in the top LCD is the Picture storage capability of the CF card. Is
there any way to reset the camera or do you have any suggestions as
to what happened. Thanks

[email protected]

 

[daye]

Easy, I spent $300 on the DC4800 (18 months ago), but $500 more on accessariez afterward.;-)

[email protected]

Are you the one who complained on the AnAndTech Forum?

 

[Mark W]

I made an entry on the Hot Deals section (thread about the
accessories that are now on sale at the Kodak site). It was NOT a
complaint but a STATEMENT of the 15 month service life of this
DC4800 ($550/15 months or a little less that $40 per month). In my
opinion a very poor value (and purchase on my part).

Well, life's like a box of chocolates ...

The thing is, 1 year is a standard digicam warranty. $150 for a flat-rate fix, I expect is not unusual. Other models of cameras from other manufacturers have been known to require service after the warranty period expires. And there doesn't seem to any evidence that DC4800s or Kodak cameras in general are unusually trouble-prone. My DC4800, for which I paid $400, is now 20 months old and still going strong after about 4000 frames. At $0.10/frame, even if it died now, it would have paid for itself easily over the cost of buying and developing film. But it doesn't show any signs of problems.

Also -- I am sure you had the option to buy an extended warranty at the time you bought the camera. However, I expect it would probably have cost you $150 or so--so even now I don't think you're any worse off than you'd have been had you gone that route.

Bottom line -- you had bad luck with this particular camera. Don't mean to jinx you, but you may also have bad luck with your G2 (what's the warranty period for that? And what's Canon's flat-rate fix fee?) Or you may not have bad luck. Anyway, I think your kvetching is overdone. Sell the DC4800 on Ebay -- either as is or pay the fix fee and then sell it. You ought to clear $150 or more (depending on accessories).

 

[Robert Gibbs]

The intriguing aspect about this particular problem is that if you search this forum (Kodak Talk) for "DC4800 Power" you will find others that have had this exact same problem and were told by Kodak to send their cameras in for repair (at no cost for cameras well beyond their warranty period). I have also had others respond (to my email address) that read my thread in this forum that said that Kodak is well aware of this problem with some DC4800's and that they have admitted that it is caused by a Manufacturing defect. In any case I will call Kodak again Monday morning and inquire about this and gauge their response. Thanks.

[email protected]

I made an entry on the Hot Deals section (thread about the
accessories that are now on sale at the Kodak site). It was NOT a
complaint but a STATEMENT of the 15 month service life of this
DC4800 ($550/15 months or a little less that $40 per month). In my
opinion a very poor value (and purchase on my part).

Well, life's like a box of chocolates ...

The thing is, 1 year is a standard digicam warranty. $150 for a
flat-rate fix, I expect is not unusual. Other models of cameras
from other manufacturers have been known to require service after
the warranty period expires. And there doesn't seem to any
evidence that DC4800s or Kodak cameras in general are unusually
trouble-prone. My DC4800, for which I paid $400, is now 20 months
old and still going strong after about 4000 frames. At
$0.10/frame, even if it died now, it would have paid for itself
easily over the cost of buying and developing film. But it doesn't
show any signs of problems.

Also -- I am sure you had the option to buy an extended warranty at
the time you bought the camera. However, I expect it would
probably have cost you $150 or so--so even now I don't think you're
any worse off than you'd have been had you gone that route.

Bottom line -- you had bad luck with this particular camera.
Don't mean to jinx you, but you may also have bad luck with your G2
(what's the warranty period for that? And what's Canon's flat-rate
fix fee?) Or you may not have bad luck. Anyway, I think your
kvetching is overdone. Sell the DC4800 on Ebay -- either as is or
pay the fix fee and then sell it. You ought to clear $150 or more
(depending on accessories).

 

[Mark W]

The intriguing aspect about this particular problem is that if you
search this forum (Kodak Talk) for "DC4800 Power" you will find
others that have had this exact same problem and were told by Kodak
to send their cameras in for repair (at no cost for cameras well
beyond their warranty period). I have also had others respond (to
my email address) that read my thread in this forum that said that
Kodak is well aware of this problem with some DC4800's and that
they have admitted that it is caused by a Manufacturing defect. In
any case I will call Kodak again Monday morning and inquire about
this and gauge their response. Thanks.

Well, even if it is a manufacturing defect, I believe that the standard warranty states that the product is warranted to be free of problems caused by manufacturing defects for a period of a year (or whatever the time period is).

Any given product is going to have characteristic weaknesses (for example, perhaps the suspension has more problems in a Camry than the radio, but for Accords the radio fails at a greater rate). If you sell enough of any product, you're going to have some non-trivial number of people experience the same problems. But that doesn't necessarily mean that the manufacturer is obliged to fix those problems for free beyond the warranty period. Is the particular failure mode you've run into so common that it is something that Kodak should feel obliged to repair free even after the warranty period (like the hairline cracks?) Maybe so -- good luck convincing them anyway.

Mark