A flooded camera can be an opportunity

[slowhands]

It's strange how things work out sometimes. I had this Canon XT with severe water damage, but I thought maybe Canon's service team could revive it. They could, it turns out. They sent me an estimate, flat rate, for $1450.53, plus tax of $101.80 and shipping of $21.85, total $1574.18. I think they were pulling my chain? So I forwarded it to my repair guy who got quite a chortle out of it. Yep, to repair a camera worth say $200, they were suggesting a repair costing $1574.18. I laughed for half an hour.

Then, I called the Canon Loyalty program (1-866-443-8002) to see if there was perhaps a smooth way out of this situation. They offered many options, but I the one that interested me was a Canon T1i for $520, plus tax, free shipping. Within minutes I had a nice T1i on the way. I asked where these refurbs come from, they said dealer returns. I asked why there were no high-end cameras, they said the pros snap up the 5D MKIIs and so on right away. Well, I'm gonna miss my XT, but I hope they donate it's organs or something, and it starts a new life as what ... a shopping cart?

So don't despair if your Canon gets flooded. Check out the Canon Loyalty Program, The prices are not earth-shaking, but at least you get something for your otherwise useless waterlogged camera.

 

[Jake25]

Canon is great for their customer service. My old Canon A610's sensor broke (known issue) and they let me upgrade to a SD 790IS for real cheap.

 

[Nemrod]

I think the advantage of being able to have it repaired by Canon would be if you had invested in a 4,000 or 5,000 dollars housing and port system for that camera. Some people might then see their way to the repair vs replacement with something that would require a new and different and very expensive housing. Good that Canon is so helpful with so many options. N