Q: Less than a year ago, I purchased a digital camera and, recently, it started giving me problems. No matter how long it stays on charge, after I take around 10 photos, the battery goes flat and needs to be recharged. Furthermore, when the battery is very low, the photos I take come out smudged.

I took the camera to the seller and left it there to have it checked. The company’s technicians left the camera on charge for a whole night and told me they took some pictures and the battery did not run out. When I took the camera back home and tried it, the camera started giving me the same problems.

The digital camera is still covered by its guarantee. Am I entitled to ask for a new one or, at least, a new battery?

A: Since the camera was purchased less than two years ago, besides the commercial guarantee, you also have consumer law protecting your purchase. Legally, you are entitled to have the camera repaired or replaced.

If, after checking the camera, the seller detects that there is a problem, they may opt to try and repair it. If, after repair, the same problem recurs, you may insist on having the camera replaced with a new one.

If replacement with a similar model is not possible, you may legally ask for a money refund.