Sony Camera Stopped Working? Here's What to Do
Whether you're a professional photographer or a passionate hobbyist, a Sony camera that suddenly stops working can be a major source of stress. One moment it's capturing perfect shots, and the next, it's completely unresponsive. Before you assume the worst, know that the cause is often a simple issue you can resolve at home.
This guide will take you through the essential troubleshooting steps to diagnose why your Sony camera isn't working and, in many cases, get you back to shooting in no time.
Common Symptoms of a Non-Functioning Camera
- The camera will not power on at all, with no lights or sounds.
- The power turns on, but the screen remains blank or displays an error code.
- The camera freezes or becomes unresponsive to any button presses.
- The lens is stuck, either extended or retracted, and will not move.
- The camera powers on briefly and then immediately shuts down.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Your Sony Camera
Start with the most basic solutions first. You might be surprised how often they work.
1. The Battery Check: More Than Just Charge
A battery issue is the number one cause of a 'dead' camera.
- Charge the Battery: This seems obvious, but it's crucial. Remove the battery from the camera and place it in the official Sony charger. Wait for the charging light to indicate a full charge. Don't trust the camera's last-known battery level.
- Use a Genuine Sony Battery: Third-party batteries can sometimes cause compatibility issues. If you have a genuine Sony battery, use it for troubleshooting.
- Re-insert the Battery Correctly: Remove the battery and wait a minute. Then, re-insert it, making sure it's oriented correctly and clicks firmly into place.
- Close All Doors Securely: This is critical. Many Sony cameras have sensors and will not power on if the battery compartment door or the memory card slot door is not fully and securely closed.
2. The Memory Card Test
A faulty memory card can prevent the camera's operating system from loading correctly, making it seem like the camera is broken.
- Turn the camera off.
- Open the memory card slot and remove the memory card.
- Ensure the memory card door is closed securely.
- Try to power the camera on again.
If the camera powers on without the card, then the memory card is the problem. You should try backing up its contents on a computer and then formatting the card within the camera menu. If that doesn't work, the card may need to be replaced.
3. The 'Lens Reset' Trick
If the camera makes a sound but the lens doesn't move, or if it seems to be stuck, try this.
- Turn the camera off.
- Remove the battery.
- Let the camera sit without power for at least 10 minutes. This allows all internal capacitors to discharge.
- Insert a fully charged battery and turn the camera on. The fresh application of full power can sometimes be enough to un-jam a sluggish lens mechanism. Do not physically force the lens.
4. Check for Overheating
If your camera stopped working during a long video shoot or on a very hot day, it may have shut down to protect its internal components. Let the camera cool down to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before attempting to power it on again.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have worked through all the steps above—using a known-good, fully charged Sony battery, checking all compartment doors, and testing without a memory card—and the camera is still completely unresponsive, it may be time to consult a professional. Contact an authorised Sony service centre to have the camera diagnosed by a technician.