I have a littl Kodak point & shoot V550.
The last couple of times I have used it I have noticed that it's metal case gets exceedingly hot while in use, even in cool surroundings.
Does anyone have any ideas why this is - perhaps it is about to explode lol :)

Sounds like it would have to be a battery issue to me but I'm no expert. Maybe try swapping the batteries?

Will give it a try Sam, I have a spare one.
Thanks, I never thought of that.

:) LE

Eve - Sam is right. The only item in the camera capable of producing the amount of heat necessary to heat the case, is the battery. There are a few reasons why the battery may behave this way, could be this or could be that or could be whatever, but it much simpler to say the battery has reached its time, and should be retired ASAP! If you install a new battery and the problem continues, retire the camera. It is possible you have a dead short in the battery case, that may cost more to repair than the camera is worth. Moose

Well, I am afraid the camera may be dying, or at the very least suffering from demetia- inserted other battery and now it does not seem to know what it is doing. I take a photo and the camera shuts itself down,sometimes takes the shot and sometimes not. Also it keeps asking me to set time and date. It is not overheating any more though.

It has been a great little camera and I shall miss it, especially is video excellence !

I am wondering if the batteries are not charging fully. I use a normal charger but it does have a transfer dock which also recharges battery and a printer dock that does the same, so will hunt them out as a last resort.

I think I am clutching at straws.

Almost NZ$1000 worth (with the docks)so may be worth a try at repair. I have had it 5 years so suppose I can not complain too much.



Thanks for your help - you are both invited the the memorial service in memory of little 550 should it die completely :)

I wonder if reinstalling upgrading the camera firmware would do anything ?

If it does die, you will find you can buy something with better specs for a lot less money now.

Yes I know,it is amazing how they have reduced in price over the past few years. I would not bother replacing it. I have a little Canon p & s but it is nowhere near as good despite it having more bells and whistles.
I have updated the firmware, am leaving it overnight on the charging dock.

Eve - hmmm....interesting. You put in a new battery and it quit overheating. Great, but now it keeps asking you to set the time and date. This happens because your old battery was bad, (by the way I repair digital cameras) and it did not leave enough charge in your capacitor. That is a small device that stores energy so you do not have to reset your time and date everytime you take out the battery. If the time and date continues to malfunction, then you have a bad charging system in the camera. I would definitely update the firmware. If the camera continues to malfunction, then a circuit has been damaged due to the excessive heat. The old days of soldering a part to repair a damaged circuit are gone. The camera will have to be disassembled and the circuit board replaced. Most times it is cheaper to purchase a new camera. Viewing thru your gallery, I would like to comment by saying you have the right stuff to produce delightful pictures. Keep up the good work.
Moose

Well it ain't dead yet but still ailing - both batteries appear fully charged and both demand date reset when inserted. It is not turning itself off now but instead is protesting by making internal noises. Time to let it go perhaps. I appreciate your expert opinion Moose - thanks.
I just took it out in the rain and took THIS which seems ok (bit blurry in parts - but is is very windy)but I don't like the sound of the noises coming from within - it sounds like more than indegestion !

Eve - when you hear the sound of the Bugle playing. Please place your hand over your heart and bow your head in respect for the passing of your faithful servant "ole camera". I would find a fine sturdy box to gently lay the camera in its final resting place. Then find an accessible spot on any shelf in the garage, so that as the years go by, you will always be able to visit "ole camera" If it is any comfort, I want you to know that cameras do not deteriorate, so there will be no foul order in the garage. At times like this, isnt it customary to all share some adult beverage, and reflect on past photo opportunities? ....why YES it is! ...gulp, gulp, My deepest respects Lyneve, it was a good "ole camera" :) Moose

I still have the box it was born in so will most likely use that. In the meatime I shall let it rest quietly on its little dock and one day when I have the courage I shall pull the plug and remove its life support. I may need a gulp or two before the plug pulling as well as after :)
Anyone can say goodbye HERE

:) LE

The viewing was beautiful...goodbye faithful camera, you may rest now.......job well done!

Hello Lyn,

I'd recommend you before give up, to keep your camera in a dry and under 45 C place for a few days. Remove any connections, shut it down, remove battery. Keep a few days. Before inserting battery and using your camera try to click all the buttons. This can eliminate snapped buttons. It seems like some water got in your camera.

Next time, if you feel your camera (any of them) get wet, quickly shot it down, remove battery and keep it in a dry place.

Water like rain is not very harmful, unless you keep your camera running when it is wet. Never, ever let your camera get wet by sea water. This is real danger. This time shut it down, remove battery and remove salty water as soon as possible, and It seems weird, but clean your camera with destilled water. Be careful not to let this water into your camera and optical parts. I know this is very difficult but could save your camera's life.

A couple of days docked seems to have given it a reprieve !!
A tentative celebratory sharing of adult beverage may be in order?

Rejoice Eve: The Ole Camera has been reborn. I am baffled if the camera is of feline spirit, and has given up one of its nine lives or maybe it has come back as a reincarnation of a Yashika Electro 35. A fine almost indestructible camera. Either way, you are left dealing with a delightful gift from the pixel Gods, and you must use its new powers only for good purposes. I am thrilled, and will happily join you in a toast of tasty adult beverage, anxiously anticipating views from "The adventures of LynEve and her reborn camera" . . . .it does seem weird that there was no snap-crackle-pop sound to alert you. Maybe the pixel Gods are suffering from budget cuts.