Clearing the Card Locked Message

• One of the advantages of digital cameras is their ability to store hundreds or even thousands of photographs. Unlike film cameras, which were limited to 24, 36 or 48 pictures, the high capacity SD cards used with Canon digital cameras can provide nearly unlimited storage for your images.
  
  One of the most common problems encountered by owners of Canon digital cameras is the "card locked" message. Fortunately this message is easy to clear by simply removing the card, finding the lock switch and switching it to the unlocked position. This switch is generally located near the top left hand side of the SD card--when it is activated new data cannot be written to the card.
  
  

Battery Performance Issues

• Some model Canon cameras are prone to issues with battery life, and it is important for camera owners to keep tabs on the performance of their camera's batteries. It is often helpful to experiment with several different brands of rechargeable camera batteries in order to determine which brand provides the best performance. Also keep in mind that battery capacity tends to diminish when batteries get cold. So, whenever possible, batteries that have been sitting in a cold location should be allowed to warm to room temperature before being placed in the camera.
  
  

Leaking Batteries

• A leaking or otherwise defective battery can wreak havoc with any camera, and Canon cameras are no exception. The best way to prevent a battery from leaking and damaging your camera is to open the battery compartment and remove the batteries when they are not in use. But this may not always be a practical solution. If you do find that the batteries have sprung a leak, it is important to remove them and carefully remove all residue from the outside of the camera and from inside the battery compartment. In order to clean the battery compartment, simply soak a long cotton swab in white vinegar and wipe out all of the residue. You may need to go over the compartment several times until all remaining residue has been removed. After the battery compartment has been cleaned, use a cotton swab to dry the area thoroughly before installing fresh batteries.