Powershot SX740 HS keeps saying "Busy"

[larazaski]

I love my Canon camera; however, as of recently, it hasn't been working properly. When I try to take a single picture with flash, it makes a shuttering sound that it doesn't normally make, and shows a screen that says "Busy" after I take the picture. The noise sounds as if it's taking multiple pictures, but I only ever take one at a time. This process makes taking pictures extremely time-consuming, as the screen will show "Busy" for about 30 seconds. I have already tried purchasing and swapping out the SD card, which did not work. I used the same brand and type of card as previously. Please let me know!

[WhiteTern]

Hi, I’m not sure if you’re still stuck with this problem or not. But to me it sounds like you’re on a slow shutter speed setting. I use it to take picture of stars at night. To access it, turn your dial to ‘M’ manual. On the bottom left corner of the screen is a number that either says number with “ or fraction. Number with “ will be slow shutter speed that causes the busy screen. If you rotate wheel dial to the right, the numbers will rise to some kind of fraction. Anything higher than 1/4 should be good. 

[Waddizzle]

Your issue is consistent with a memory card issue.  You mentioned that you “swapped” cards.  Major no-no.   Do not allow other devices to use or write to the camera’s memory card. 

You should always use full size cards. You need to low level format the card using the camera prior to first use.  Once done, it is okay to use a card reader, provided that you do not try to write data to the card.  Even file deletions should be avoided, because involves writing to card’s file directory.