Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 Digital Camera - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Try this link for some assistance.

Here's a fix I got from Panasonic, I figured I would post this since I haven't seen this anywhere on the web and this post was the highest hit on google

Based on the information that you have provided, we suggest that you perform the following operation: 1. Turn off the camera 2. While off, turn the zoom button fully to the left or right (hold for about 3-5 secs) 3. Release then turn the camera back on... At this point in time the lens should retract. If it does not, repeat the previous steps however, press the zoom to the opposite direction than you did the first time around. If this does not resolve the issue, we recommend the product be sent to our Customer Service Center.

This seems to work for me. The lens retracted back in place and my camera resumed working.

The date and time (and a lot more) are stored with every picture in its EXIF metadata. Any photo viewing/editing program should be able to display this data. To print this data, please consult the documentation for whatever program you're using to print your pictures. Depending on the program and printer you may print the date on the image, in the margins, or on the back.

Here are some troubleshooting steps that you can try that may (or may not) correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try. Some of the later steps do involve some risk to the camera, so carefully weigh your options before deciding to conduct them:

That is an issue that needs to be repaired. Here is the repair form to help http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/RequestCenter?storeId=15001&catalogId=11017

You can't. it is cause by something blocking the gears or the lens being knocked to the side. Here is the online service formhttp://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/RequestCenter?storeId=15001&catalogId=11017

The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries. Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use any photo cataloging program such as Picasa.

Hi Joanne:You can check menu settigns there? This pics/videos this appears under red color in the pc monitor after transference or download pics/videos at pc? If your answer is yes, your problem isn't a LCD problem.The other choice, could be a malfunctioning CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor... in both cases (LCD or CCD) this isn't a job that you could solve yourself; this wrong include distorted images or abnormal colors, scratchy purple lines, blank or black pictures, and/or black videos with good sound being recorded on the camera's flash card. I suggest check this link for additional details in this previous solutions for an Defective CCD and next contact your Panasonic service. Additionally, I strongly suggest (taking into consideration the age of your camera) to evaluate the cost of repair versus the cost of a new camera with similar features, before making a final desicion.In order to correct this issue, the repair facility needs to replace the CCD. Check this links that could give you additiona details: imaging-resource.com/badccdsHope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I'll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.Thank you for using Fixya, and have a nice day.

My camera started bringing up "system error (zoom)" and it was completely inoperable. I would turn it off, but the lens wouldn't retract unless I applied slight pressure to it. I was able to FIX this problem by applying some lubricant oil to a Q-tip and swiping it around the telescoping parts of the lens, being very careful to stay away from the actual lens. I turned the camera on and off a few times so the oil could work its way into the parts, and it fixed the problem. I don't know if it will be a long term solution, but I can at least download my pictures to my computer now!

Sounds like you have the "white balance" on the wrong setting. Try "auto white balance".

Hi, Move the internal pictures to your card and then switch it to record to the card...
Here is a tip that may help you with your problem.... I found out that with my cameraI needed to transfer the pictures within the camera to the card and them fromthe card to the computer...
The process for your camera may not be exactly the same, but should be similar.

How toTransfer Internal Camera Memory Pictures heatman101

This can be undone very easily.

1. Turn off camera.
2. Take out the memory card. (it's probably located near the battery. press down on it and release it. Then it will pop out.)
3. Slide the small switch on the side of the card to the position marked with an unlocked padlock.
4. Put card back in and turn on cam.

There. That's it. hope that helped. good luck and happy shooting!

Unplug the camera ...remove the memory card ..and the batteries and after that plug it back without the card ..This should reset it and make it work ..Probably something went wrong when it tried to access the information on he card ..My advice is to insert the card in the card reader (if you have one ) and retrieve the files manually ..and after that insert the card in he camera and look for storage ..choose memory card and format the card again in the camera.This will erase all files on the card ..and this is the reason you should save them first ..
If your camera used to need a driver to work on Mac ..and some changes was made...I suggest to get on he support site ..(or use the cd disk that came with it ) and install the driver again ..before trying to use it ..
The error you were talking about is probably a warning to close the action you are doing ..and also to confirm first the removing of the removable storage ..device (camera in this case )

Try these:

Fixing a Lens Error on a Digital Camera

This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digital camera. Some common error messages that might show up on the LCD's of cameras with this problem include "E18 lens error", or "lens error, restart camera". Some cameras might show nothing at all, but merely make a beeping noise as the lens goes out, then in, then the camera shuts off. Sometimes the lens won't even move.

The problem is actually quite common throughout all camera brands. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended. Believe it or not, one BIG contributor to lens errors is using a camera case. Sand, gunk, case fibers, etc... accumulate at the bottom of the case. These materials love to cling to the camera by electrostatic build-up from the camera rubbing against the side of the case (especially those cases with soft fibrous interiors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many cameras, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.

A camera owner that suffers this problem may have no recourse for having the camera repaired. Many camera makers will not honor repairing this problem under warranty as they claim it is due to impact damage to the camera, or sand or debris getting into the lens gearing mechanism (neither of which is covered under warranty). The quoted repair cost is usually close to or more than what the camera is actually worth.

Fortunately, about half the cameras that suffer this failure can easily be fixed by one of the following methods. None of these methods involve opening the camera, although some have potential to cause other damage to the camera if excessively done. If the camera is still under warranty, before trying any of these, please please first contact your camera's maker to see if they'll cover the repair, or to determine how much they'll charge for the repair. Who knows, you might get lucky. But if they quote you a number that's higher than the value of your camera, you may want to consider the following methods.

The methods are listed in the order of risk of damaging your camera. Thus make sure you try them in the listed order. And remember, these fixes (especially #6 and 7) should only be considered for a camera that's out of warranty, who's cost of repair would be excessive, and would otherwise be considered for disposal if unrepaired:

Fix #1: Remove the batteries from the camera, wait a few minutes. Put a fresh set of batteries back in (preferably rechargeable NiMH 2500mah or better) and turn the camera on. If that didn't work, try pressing and holding the Function or OK button while turning the camera on.

Fix #2: Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install new batteries, and turn on the camera. If you get an Error E30, it means you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the memory card and turn it on one last time.

Fix #3: Insert the cameras Audio/Video (AV) cable, and turn the camera on. Inserting this cable ensures that the camera's LCD screen remains off during the start process. Thus extra battery power is available to the camera's lens motor during startup. This extra power can be useful in overcoming grit or sand particles that may be jamming the lens. If the AV cable doesn't fix the lens error by itself, consider keeping this cable installed while trying fixes 4, 5, and 7 as a means to provide extra help to these fixes. But note that I DON'T recommend keeping the cable installed during Fix 6 as you may damage the AV port while tapping the camera. Reinsert the cable only AFTER tapping the camera.

Fix #4: Place the camera flat on its back on a table, pointed at the ceiling. Press and hold the shutter button down, and at the same time press the power-on button. The idea is that the camera will try to autofocus while the lens is extending, hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins in their slots.

Fix #5: Blow compressed air in the gaps around the lens barrels with the idea of blowing out any sand or grit that may be in there jamming the lens. Other variations include blowing with a hair dryer in "no heat" setting, or sucking the gaps with a vacuum (careful with this one).

Now we're entering into the realm of potentially damaging your camera in conducting the fix. There is definitely some risk here, so take care when conducting the following two fixes.

Fix #6: Repeatedly tap the padded/rubber usb cover on a hard surface with the intent of dislodging any particles that may be jamming the lens. Other variations include hitting a side of the camera against the palm of your hand. A lot of people have reported success with this method. HOWEVER, there is also some potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables, or cracking LCD screens.

Fix #7: Try forcing the lens. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods. HOWEVER, there's obviously some potential for damaging your camera by using this method. Variations include gently pulling, rotating, and/or twisting the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Attempt to gently straighten or align the barrel if it's crooked or twisted. Another variation includes looking for uneven gaps around the lens barrel, and then pushing on the side of the lens barrel that has the largest gap (note pushing the lens barrel all the way in is NOT recommended as it may become stuck there). While doing any of the above, listen for a click that indicates that the lens barrel guide pins may have reseated in their guide slots. If you hear this click, immediately stop and try the camera.

What you need to do is take your photos of your artwork using your camera's macro mode. The macro mode button looks like a flower. Macro mode allows for precise focusing on close up subjects.

Check page 41 of the manual:
http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMCFS15.PDF

Dear you must make sure of the validity of memory

With no card in the camera, go into the menu and find "format" and follow the on-screen instructions. This will erase all the pictures. You should use a memory card from now on and never go back to the internal memory.

Lens errors are fairly common. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended ... Unfortunately, many cameras that fall prey to this can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some things that you can do that may correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty, they're worth a try.

Visit again there &force them for replacement not for repairing.

try backing up your pictures to your computer then format the card using the camera. restore/reset your camera under Settings then put back the pictures to the card from the computer. see if it solved. i think the card is formatted in some device other than your camera which results in file system conflicts.