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Camera Failed to Capture Photos

Alert Details

The camera in the photoSentinel unit can’t take or save a photo, because of an issue in the SD/microSD card or camera.

Possible Event Code Triggers

• No file to send (NFS)
• No photo found (NPF)
• No SD card in camera (230)
• Cannot connect to camera (241)
• SD card full (242)
• Camera error: Canon EOS Capture failed (247)
• Camera Error (CER)
• Camera Power down error (CPD)
• Camera Power up error (CPU)
• Camera reset (CRT)
• Camera Timeout (CTO)
• No Filesystem on SD card (FSN)

You can find the triggering event code and when it occurred by viewing the System Messages on the Status page for this installation. System Messages are indicated with an * next to the Status. 

Troubleshooting

Remote Troubleshooting

• Format the SD card to remove corruption that may be causing errors. You can format the card from your installation’s Config page under Advanced options/settings
  • This will clear all photos from the SD card. Photos that haven’t been uploaded, or copied to the external drive, will be lost. With an Upload session (Tempo and Mach II running APEX firmware) or End of Day upload (Mach II), you can attempt to upload the missed photos, otherwise a photo backup will require a site visit.
    • Upload Session (Tempo or Mach II running APEX firmware): To set an upload session, read our knowledge base article on Scheduling.
    • End of Day Upload Session (Mach II): To set an End of Day upload, go to your installation’s Config page and find the ‘End of day uploading’ section. Tick the checkbox and choose a time to upload. Your schedule must not coincide with your regular photo taking intervals. You can select a date range to look for specific photos to upload.
• Advanced feature for experienced users: If you are using a Tempo or Mach II running APEX firmware, you can use Remote Camera Control to adjust settings on the camera, with the goal of reducing photo capture time. Photo capture can occasionally timeout if the exposure time is too long. Read our knowledge base article on Remote Camera Control and try adjusting the settings below.
  • Try changing the F-number / aperture, and/or ISO
  • Recommended settings: Aperture priority exposure mode, F8 – F11, ISO100 – 400, white balance fixed, manual focus
• Updating to the latest firmware can improve system behaviour. Contact our Support Team to update the firmware remotely.
• Pro or Mini Only: Leave the camera ON for longer at each interval. You can change these settings on your installation’s Config Page under ‘When to take photos’ section. We recommend setting the interval between 45 – 90 seconds.
• Sony only: Ensure that the external drive is connected and has free space available. See the Sony Camera Operation article for more information.

On-site Troubleshooting

• Confirm that the camera is ON and there is an SD card in the system
• Reconnect or replace the camera cable/s:
  • Tempo or Mach II: Replace the USB cable.
  • Pro: Replace the SD ribbon, trigger and/or power cables.
• Format the microSD card from the camera menu or replace it. To access camera settings:
  • Tempo, Mach II and Pro: Switch the controller to SETUP/Camera test mode.
  • Mini: Switch the controller to Camera test mode, and the camera to ON.
    • Collect images off the SD card or external drive before formatting to ensure you have a back-up
• Keep the camera for a few hours on camera test/setup mode, with a fully charged battery or on AC. This will charge the internal camera battery-capacitor and may help resolve the issue.
• Use these recommended camera settings:
  • Aperture priority exposure mode, F8 – F10, ISO100 – 400, white balance fixed, manual focus. Set time zone, time and date. Then turn off camera and turn it back ON. On the Mini you can leave the camera OFF. (more on camera settings)
• Reset or replace the camera. If there is an error message on the camera display, use this to diagnose what needs to be reconnected or replaced.
• Pro or Mini Only: Verify the microSD card for the Pro or Mini is Class 4 or lower, and NON UHS-I spec.

Lodge a Support Ticket

If this article did not resolve your issue, please lodge a Support ticket.