My camera will not take multiple shots

Take off the lens and fire off a few shots. Does the mirror flip up? Or is it permanently up? Does the shutter open? Can you see through the lens? This "lovely, recommended seller" may have unloaded his problems on you.

Can you verify that your charger accessory is working correctly?

It sounds as if the iris which adjusts to allow the correct amount of light to enter the camera is sticking. Maybe due to foreign matter being wedged between the vanes of the iris. About the only way I can think of to remedy the problem without visiting the repair man is to set up in a dimly lit room with a torch pointing towards you. Turn your camera on and in the auto mode alternatively point the camera into the torches beam and then away from the torch. This may open and close the iris suficiently to dislodge any fluff or grit from between the vanes. You may have to do it a number of times. A few seconds of bright then a few seconds of dark about a dozen times may do the job. If you have a manual mode try using it by adjusting from wide open to fully closed also a dozen times.
If the camera behaves itself after trying this it should be cured. An old trick but it does work occasionally and well worth a try. Otherwise the iris may need replacing. Which could prove expensive.

One other thing, are you waiting for the camera to set itself up by half pressing the shoot button before each shot. You may be underexposing if you just push the button straight down to take the shot. Make sure you only push halfway to allow the auto focus and auto exposure time to set. Then push all the way for your shot.

Your unit is still under manufacturer warranty. I would suggest to have it repaired through a authorized Sony repair center under the warranty CLICK HERE for support for your camera. Good Luck! : )

i have the same issue with mine and is only 4 months old / this is my second replacment-do u have a contact number for sony?

Two things to try, 1) The release button is a two stage process. Pushing the release button 1/2 way allows the camera to focus on the subject. It needs a few milli-seconds to do this. A full depress releases the shutter, but it you don't allow the camera to focus, things get messed up.

2) Holding a camera of this type with outstretched arms is a sure way to get poor shots. I use my Fuji S5000 with the viewfinder rather than the LCD display for framing shots just like I was using an SLR/DSLR

must be something to do with the mode you are using like auto mode, manual mode P mode so on...havn't use anything else the the manual mode so do a hit and trial procedure. Also be sure to increase the shutter speed...

My camera had a similar prob. Instead of pressing the shutter button half way just press it all the way down and see if that works.

Since your camera is still under warranty, best thing will be calling Sony's appropriate service center for their assistance. Good luck!

This suggests the zoom motor has failed. As you only purchased it 2 weeks ago - it should be replaced under warranty