Thanks for the interest. All the apps that use the camera are those that came with the phone, PLUS facebook. I went through a multitude of tests and steps trying to figure it out, including clearing cache and data and force stopping camera. Even Disabling it at one point.
But here is what's weird: Last night, I did a "safe start or boot" but the camera still did not work. Then I did a Factory Data Reset (using the method that starts with holding down the volume-down button and the power button). It still did not work. So the consensus was that I needed a new or repaired phone. Today, I went to the Verizon store, he turned the phone off and on, (again!!) and, miracle of miracles, it worked. Of course, during that time, many (28) of the apps that came with the phone updated. I can tell you which ones if you care.
So I spent the afternoon putting my phone data and apps back together. I kept a list of everything I did and checked the camera frequently, often turning the phone off and on and checking the camera again. At this point the camera is working.
