Cannot use the camera at all

Service & Support Issue: Camera displays "Lens error, restart camera" on the LCD monitor.
Solution: Possible solutions for a Lens Error message PowerShot A480.

The "E18" or "Lens" error message indicates an error that involves the lens unit or lens cover.
This error may appear where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting such as, for example, when pressure is applied to the lens or the area surrounding the lens while handling the camera. The error may also be displayed if the lens unit/camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera. Solution
Check the following when you operate the camera to avoid applying pressure to the lens and surrounding area:

• Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting.
• Make sure the camera is off before the camera is placed back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case.

If you cannot clear the error code by turning the camera off and then on again, or if the error code is displayed frequently, a camera malfunction may have occurred. Please click here to set up service for your camera online.

CANON IXUS 561
Lens sometimes does not extend and error message 'lens error restart camera' appears when camera is turned on. This does not work without several tries and much button pressing. Problem is not caused by finger(s) in front of lens barrel.

Try these procedures.

lens error,as the lens unable to function normally,becauz the lens movement is arrested due to the failure of the gear box,guide and guide-pins damage so contct camera tec.

on the camera bottom by the battery theres is a little niddle size reset button press it wit niddle when camera is on then it will restart to factory setting you can try more then ones pushing it.please leave comment,vote,note.thankyou

If you get that message the lens is stuck.
You should take the camera to a repair center.
They should repair it under warranty.
I have seen this problem a few times already. 

Lens errors are fairly common. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended ...

Here are some things that you can do to try to correct it. They only seem to work for less than 50% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty, they're worth a try.
　

I've had similar problems with various versions of this camera. Here's the fix, if all else fails. These are step-by-step instructions to take apart and fix the camera's lens error. http://johnsmouth.wordpress.com/2010/12/01/lens-error/

When the lens will not retract and camera is not functional (no picture on display, and does not shoot) , and you already tried replacing batteries with a new fresh set (ensure please) , and then restarting camera with no memory card inside, then camera is faulty.

Try an easy fix by pushing gently the lens (do not force them, just help them) while you turn off camera at same time. Try also switching the mode selector.

If still no luck , then the camera must be disassembled to fix the problem.

Possible reasons are :

• Faulty lens mechanism or jammed lens (camera usually turns off by itself in this case)
• Main board faulty.
• Ribbon cable to main board broken or connector defective.
• If there is no power at all it is the connector from batteries to main board, this is also a ribbon cable.

If the camera is less than one year old will be replaced by manufacturer.

If your warranty is expired you can get an estimate for repair from manufacturer, or from a third party like Advance Camera here :Advance Camera Repair you can book the repair online.

the beeping sounds means that your camera lens is stuck. contact the manufacturer (canon), for a possible solution...or they can even send u a new one. My friend dropped her SD630 and had the same problem...she contacted canon, and sent in her camera to be fixed, but it wasn't fixable, so canon sent her a brand new camera. hope this helps.