PowerShot SX740 HS "Busy" message won't go away

[ktwillson]

purchased this camera August 24 2025... One month ago camera had flash in busy.....  I download the new updates and still have the problem.  the camera was purchased from Walmart and now I can't register it..... says not a usa camera.  where can I get this fixed...  $800 camera unusable after 5 months... ridiculous. please help

[Waddizzle]

The message you’re getting means that the camera was built to be sold in another country.  Make certain that the serial number on your h box matches the serial number on the camera. You seem to have what is commonly called a “grey market” camera/

aTry charging the battery.  The camera can also display a busy message when the built in flash circuit is recharging.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

We're sorry to hear of your issue.  Let's cover all of the bases here.

When buying Canon products it's important to purchase from a Canon authorized dealer.  While Walmart itself is an authorized dealer, it's marketplace is often comprised of 3rd party sellers who are not.  This is how grey market merchandise can make it into your hands.  Unfortunately, Canon has no control of this.  

Your issue is not 100% clear?  A busy error on the camera might be related to a few issues.  A media card read/write error, a hardware fault or in the case of using the flash, a fault with the charging circuit as my colleague mentioned.  

What steps to take next.  Do some additional troubleshooting.  Remove the media card from the camera. Does the "busy" error resolve?  Or can you establish if the problem is in fact related to the flash?

Please ensure the battery you are using is OEM Canon brand.  The battery should be an NB-13L.  It's important that it be genuine.  Again, unfortunately if you do business with a non-authorized dealer., it's not sure or certain what you will get.  The product or accessories you receive may not be authentic (Genuine Canon).

Performing any firmware or software updates for the camera right now is not recommended.  In some cases this can actually cause more problems.  

Repair recourse could be more tricky.  I'd start by reaching out to the seller. If they're not a Canon authorized dealer, they're unlikely to help, but it's worth a try.  If you made the purchase using a credit card, contacting your card issuer may also be helpful.  

Reaching out to Canon.  Where possible Canon wants to help.  Support will often try to go out of their way to help, but they do need to have access to the parts to repair your product if needed.  This is why it's important to buy products which are intended for sale in the country or region where you reside.  

The telephone number for US support is 1-800-652-2666.  Hopefully one or a combination of the things we've discussed above will help with your issue.  

[normadel]

Did you get a warranty from Walmart, as your camera did not come with a Canon factory warranty?

[ktwillson]

No and that was my second mistake after the first buying from wal mart...