I would pay the 60.00 if it came to it.

But first set the camera up in your house - play with the settings - and see if you can get the camera to flash in poor light.

If the flash goes off - I'd call again - get a differnt tech person and tell them that the camera is taking black pics sometimes.

I had mine fixed last year (it was 1 year old)- and I had about the same problem - except I got black pics in the day too.

They did a software upgrade and swapped out the flash - I think it cost me $20.00 in shipping - and it took 4 weeks.

good luck - and worst case - if it costs 60.00 - its still a great cam.

FH