Dropped Exilim in Water

[Myron]

I fell yesterday and my Casio Exilim EX-2300 was thrust into a pond and submerged in fresh water for about 1 minute. Water evidently entered the camera as the LCD screen is off and the lens no longer retracts. I have been trying to dry it out but so far no luck. Any suggestions? I find this camera convenient and it had the features I like. Miraculously, the Memory Card shows no damage. How can I dry-out the unit? I'm afraid to use hot air from a heater as it might damage the interior. Please help.

[Andy Stanton]

Digital cameras are not made to survive under water, except for those that are specifically designed to be waterproof. Chances are your camera is beyond hope, sorry to say.

[Myron]

Believe it or not, the camera seems to be returning to life. Somewhere the trapped water must be drying-up somehow. I was trying to find a way to accelerate the drying process but never got a response.

[Myron]

Here's the latest. While my Exilim came back to life the next day, there is a problem. I notice dark spots, one on the upper-left and the other on the lower-left. It only appears when using a certain zoom length. It was never there before the camera was immersed in water. Many of my photos are ruined from these spots. Any suggestions how to get rid of these annoying spots? I am certain they are water droplets as the spots are transparent so they can't be dust. Any chance they might dry-out?

[Andy Stanton]

Any chance they might dry-out?

Perhaps but I have my doubts.

[Myron]

I tried holding the lens right under blowing air used in restrooms for drying one's hands. Sadly, this did not dry those 2 water spots appearing in the lens complex. Repairs are probably more costly than a replacement (about $200). The park where I fell due to an exposed pipe, refuses to reimburse me.

[Andy Stanton]

If you want a replacement for the Casio EX-Z2300 a couple of very similar, but better, cameras are currently being sold online for under $150 - the Canon Elph 300 HS and the Sony WX9.

[uduxcam]

I have a nikon L120 in which I bought for a very cheap price on a review site. Online shopping is more convenient