Common Camera Error Codes And What They Mean.

This article contains a list of common camera error messages and a brief description of each. It should help you trouble shoot any difficulties you may be having with your digital camera. The first error message we will explain is actually quite famous, it was so common that there is even a wikipedia page dedicated to explaining the message and associated problems.

Canon Error Codes

E18 Error
This is an error well know by users of Canon's Powershot line of cameras (Particularly from 2005-2007). In fact it was so widely known that it has a dedicated website and a wikipedia page found here. It is commonly referred to as a lens error. This is most often described as happening when the lens gets stuck while trying to extend. The LCD will just display a little E18 in the lower-left corner. The lens freezes in an extended position, it refuses to move either to focus or to retract the lens when powered off. The problem can occur if dirt or sand gets into the lens mechanism.

According to Canon, one may get an E18 due to any of the following:

• Camera activating and lens opening while in a confined space or being blocked
• Extracted lens getting jarred
• Low battery condition as the unit is turned on or off
• Dropping of the camera
• Foreign substances, such as dust, sand or dirt entering into the camera body.
• General jarring of the camera
• "General camera malfunction"

The wikipedia page has a more thorough description and links to potential fixes.
Please Note: From Wikipedia

Although the use of the E18 error coding made this problem seem to be the particular domain of Canon cameras, the problem is actually quite common throughout all cameras with telescopic lens barrels. As a result, Canon has since dropped the use of this error code in its newer cameras. In its place it has adopted the more common term "lens error" that other manufacturers use.

EOS Body error codes (Rebel XTi etc)

• Lens error or "Lens Error, Restart camera"
  Please see the E18 Error Above.
• Err 01
  Clean the lens contacts.
• Err 02
  There is a problem with the CF card. Do one of the following: Remove and reload the CF card, format the CF card, or use another CF card.
• Err 04
  The CF card is full. Delete unnecessary images or replace the CF card.
• Err 05
  Something obstructed the built-in flash?s pop-up operation. Turn off the main switch and turn it on again.
• Err 99
  An error other than the above has occurred. Err 99 is non-specific. Remove and re-install the battery. This error may occur if you use a non-Canon lens and the camera or lens does not operate properly.

Pentax Error Codes

On Pentax zoom compact cameras.

• 'A' plus a number
  This relates to an electronic fault on the main printed circuit board.
• 'E' plus a number
  A shutter related fault.
• 'E' on its own
  A transport fault, or it is possible that film is not loaded correctly. Reload the film. If problem persists, return the camera to Pentax for repair.
• 'H' plus a number
  This is a shutter related fault.
• 'U' plus a number
  A zooming or zoom mechanism related fault.

The A90 error
This seems to be a common error for some models. After searching google we found it is most often fixed by updating the firmware as mentioned below.

Dust Alert
The camera's feature that alerts you to excessive dust building up near the image sensor is not working properly. This may be due to your settings. Place the focus mode for the lens in auto-focus to reset the dust alert feature.

In nearly all cases of error the advice given by Pentax is "Return the camera to Pentax for repair."
If you are out of the warranty period this could be more costly than a replacement. We suggest searching for the specific error code and camera model to find more details, cleaning the lense and contacts, fully charging the device and finally if one is available update the firmware to the latest version for your camera.

Nikon Error Codes

• "Information" error (the "i" icon)
  The memory card may be full or locked, or the battery may be low.
• Shutter Release Error
  This indicates a jammed shutter release. - check the button isn't dirty.
• ERR
  The camera may have experienced a start-up error. Remove the battery and memory card for at least 15 minutes and try turning on the camera again.
• FEE Error
  The camera can't shoot the photo at the aperture you've selected. You may need to allow the camera to automatically choose the aperture to shoot the photo at the proper exposure.
• F-- Error
  This indicates the lens and camera are not communicating, it is related to the lens error. Check the lens to ensure it's locked into place also clean the lens and contacts.
• Cannot Record Movie
  This is usually a problem with the memory card. The most common reason is compatibility and speed. Check your user manual to ensure the the brand of memory card you are using is compatible and that the rated speed of the card is adequate.
• Image Cannot Be Saved
  As above this usually indicates a problem with the memory card or the camera's software. The memory card could be malfunctioning, incompatible, full, or it could be incorrectly formatted.
  It can also indicate a problem with the camera's file numbering system. Look through the camera's settings menu to either reset or turn off the sequential photo file numbering system.
• File Does Not Contain Image Data
  This indicates the data of the photo file is corrupted. You can delete the file, or you can try to salvage it by using recovery tools (attempt to extract the data from the memory card to your PC with the tools) and image editing software.
• No Memory Card
  Check your user manual to ensure the the brand of memory card you are using is compatible and that the rated speed of the card is adequate. Ensure the memory card is seated correctly. Additionally, the memory card could be malfunctioning or incorrectly formatted.
• System Error
  This is a general error. Ensure the battery is fully charged. Check that this isn't caused by incompatible accessories , memory cards etc Try resetting the camera. (See your user manual for the correct reset method - it is often just a case of removing the battery and memory card for a few minutes) If this doesn't resolve the issue visit the Nikon web site and make sure you have the latest firmware and drivers for your camera model.

Panasonic Error Codes

• This Battery Can Not Be Used.
  Displayed when an incompatible battery is inserted into the camera. Panasonic has implemented programming to prevent the use of 3rd party aftermarket batteries. They claim that it is to protect the consumer. It may actually do this but this has caused some disappointment/confusion amongst consumers. You will be presented with the error "This battery cannot be used" in many cases the latest firmware updates will install this "feature" if it isn't already present. This has been seen in several Lumix models.
• Please Turn Camera Off And Then On Again.
  This error message most likely occurs when one of the parts of the camera's hardware is malfunctioning. It is often caused by a jammed lens housing. If complying with the request fails to fix the error try resetting the camera by removing the battery and memory card from the camera for at least 10 minutes.
• This Picture Is Protected.
  The photo you've selected has been protected from deletion. You can usually change this via the camera menu.
• Built In Memory Error.
  The internal memory area of the camera is either full or corrupted. Try downloading/removing photos from the internal memory. If the error message continues to appear, you may need to format the internal memory.
• No Valid Picture.
  Most of the time, you'll find this error message when you try to play back images from the memory card. The memory card is either corrupted, empty, broken, or has been formatted incorrectly. You can try to fix this by reformatting the memory card using the camera. Formatting a memory card causes all photos stored on it to be deleted so try downloading any photos stored on the card to your computer before doing so.
• No Additional Selections Can Be Made.
  You have reached the limit of items able to be selected for a particular function. If the camera allows you to "save" photos in categories such as "favorites" you may see this error. The camera has a limited number of photos that can be labeled. You cannot label another photo until you remove the label from one or more photos. This error can also occur if you're trying to delete more than 999 photos at one time.
• Memory Card Locked or other Memory Card error messages.
  Check the write protect switch on the side of the card is not enabled. If the error message persists, it's possible the memory card is corrupted and needs to be formatted. Formatting the card will erase any photos stored on it. It's also possible the memory card was formatted using another device that is not compatible with Panasonic's file structure. Format the card with your Panasonic camera. Check your user manual to ensure the the brand of memory card you are using is compatible and that the rated speed of the card is adequate. Ensure the memory card is seated correctly. Additionally, the memory card could be malfunctioning.

We hope this information is helpeful. If you have any error codes  or additional information that you feel should be added to this page prease contact us or leave a comment.

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