Camera Help!

[Scorpiоn]

I have done some searching on Google, but I wasn't too inspired to read on based on the initial findings.  Bascially, my camera got splashed with salt water.  It's a wonder my laptop got away unscathed.  Is there really any hope at all?  The camera is a Kodak Z740 (digital) and it will turn on briefly (a fraction of a second), but then turn off.  My mother said it was making noises whilst it was turned off.  Quite a way to close out the family vacation.  My father said I could try alcohol, but I don't like the idea of dunking my camera in alcohol anymore than water.  I really need a firm, no BS assessment here; do I have a chance?  Everytime I think about this I get a huge sinking feeling in my stomach.

[H]

The salt is the problem -- and you obviously never erradicated it. Most any equipment, even electronic, can survive water dousing if there is no power supplied to it at the time and until it is completely dry. However, when salt is introduced, just humidity will affect metals (like wiring, shutters, etc.) with just natural humidity and air (specifically, oxygen), so I can give you no promises at this point.

[Craig.]

The salt is the problem -- and you obviously never erradicated it. Most any equipment, even electronic, can survive water dousing if there is no power supplied to it at the time and until it is completely dry. However, just humidity will affect metals (like wiring, shutters, etc.) with just natural humidity and air (specifically, oxygen), so I can give you no promises at this point.

definatly the salt being a problem, it can corrode the internal components. Take your camera to a proper camera shop and have them open it up and clean it properly. They might be able to save it. It shouldn't be too expensive, but dont leave it too long.

[Hagar]

dont leave it too long.

Most important. The longer you leave it the worse it will get. Salt water is possibly the worst contamination for electronic components, especially batteries & circuit boards. Digital cameras are even more vulnerable with lenses & delicate electro-mechanical parts to consider. If you're on holiday it might be better to cut your losses & buy disposable conventional cameras.

[Craig.]

its also not a good idea to keep trying to turn the thing on. The electrical current likes salt water and reacts with it if I remember my science classes correctly.

[H]

Very sorry, I just inserted the clause I left out ("when salt is introduced").

its also not a good idea to keep trying to turn the thing on. The electrical current likes salt water and reacts with it if I remember my science classes correctly.

This is with the corrosive effects: the dissolved mineral/metals causing 'shorts' in the circuitry.