I have a Sony DSC-P72 digital that has worked great until a couple weeks ago. When I turn the camera on the screen reads "turn the camera off and on again" and the lens doesn't open. I cannot take any pictures but I can view my pictures in the viewing mode. Can this be repaired or should I cough up more money and just buy another one?
Seems like the lens is locking up. Seems like a common problem with Sony cameras. Make sure that the area around the lens is clean and free from any obstruction. If the camera was dropped or the lens was forced to close while it was on the extended position, it will misalign and cause problems. You can try to pull it out and see if it works. If it is under warranty you can try and get it fixed, but if it isn't, don't bother. Just get a new one...but, stay away from Sony cameras. Buy a camera made by camera companies that have been around for a while who know what they're doing. They will be more reliable. Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Minolta, Leica...these are camera companies.