Exchanging Powershot Lenses

I was in a huge dust storm in Kuwait a few weeks ago and now there is a substantial amount of dust on the INNER lens (Canon shop in Kuwait says I must replace the whole lens ...for $450!)

This week, I am embarking upon a Trans-Siberian Railway journey and NEED my camera to be shooting without a fogged image. I have an old Canon Powershot S2 IS and it looks like the lens is the same size as my Canon S210! Would it be possible for a pro to switch these lenses??? (One is 12X and other is 14X)

Thanks!
Ben

My friend..I think a new camera may be your best choice. However I'm a bit confused...what is your camera? Is it a S2 or a S10...best wishes

$450 is more than the camera runs new, so perhaps it would be better to buy a new camera.

Yea I doubt youre going to be able to swap those two lens, put it all back together and have it work in the end. However, I suppose if you have both and you dont mind trashing the S2 in the process and being left with no camera, its worth a shot if you have the time, patience and tools.

That being said, my advice is to look at a new camera. How about a G12?

I wouldn't suggest it for the simple reason that the sensor of the SX210 is slightly larger (1/2.3") than the sensor of the S2 (1/2.5"). You'd risk having a "clean" lens that couldn't cover the entire sensor. There's also the possibility that the motor(s) for the S2 lens need more power than those for the SX210.

Anything is possible given enough time and money! If I were you I would cut your losses and buy a new cam. And this time, get a watertight housing for it. I personally went through 3 digital ELPH cameras in about 2 years time. All had failed due to an E99 error (lens error, usually grit in the lens gears). Then I started using a Canon watertight housing for my camera and I've had my last SD450 for at least 5 years now.