This sounds like it might be a defective CCD imager. If so, Canon should fix this for you for free, including free shipping both ways. This is regardless of your camera's warranty status. Please check the following two links for more info:
when i power my canon powershot A70 the display on the screen will illuminate for 3 seconds then a...
(More)
when i power my canon powershot A70 the display on the screen will illuminate for 3 seconds then a error will come on the screen E18
I am trying to hold the shutter down and have it click pictures automatically at a rapid rate, like...
(More)
I am trying to hold the shutter down and have it click pictures automatically at a rapid rate, like one per second. I read the instructions and tried to set it up but it did not work.