When I turn on the camera the lens comes out then closes and shuts off. I can view pictures, but the camera mode doesn't work at all. I upgraded the firmware to the latest version, but the problem remains. Any ideas???

A stuck shutter is another common failure mode for digital cameras. The symptoms of a stuck or "sticky" shutter are very similar to CCD image sensor failure. The camera may take black pictures (for shutter stuck closed), or the pictures may be very bright and overexposed, sometimes with lines, especially when taken outdoors (for shutter stuck open). To confirm a stuck shutter, put the camera in any mode other than "Auto", and turn the flash OFF (you don't want to blind yourself for the next step). Next look down the lens and take a picture. You should see a tiny flicker in the center of the lens as the shutter opens and closes. If no movement is seen, then you likely have a stuck shutter. If so, please see this link for further info and a simple fix that may help.

A stuck shutter is another common failure mode for digital cameras. The symptoms of a stuck or "sticky" shutter are very similar to CCD image sensor failure. The camera may take black pictures (for shutter stuck closed), or the pictures may be very bright and overexposed, especially when taken outdoors (for shutter stuck open).

To confirm a stuck shutter, put the camera in any mode other than "Auto", and turn the flash OFF (you don't want to blind yourself for the next step). Next look down the lens and take a picture. You should see a tiny flicker in the center of the lens as the shutter opens and closes. If no movement is seen, then you likely have a stuck shutter. If so, please see this link for further info and a simple fix that may help.

A stuck shutter is another common failure mode for digital cameras. The symptoms of a stuck or "sticky" shutter are very similar to CCD image sensor failure. The camera may take black pictures (for shutter stuck closed), or the pictures may be very bright and overexposed, especially when taken outdoors (for shutter stuck open).

To confirm a stuck shutter, put the camera in any mode other than "Auto", and turn the flash OFF (you don't want to blind yourself for the next step). Next look down the lens and take a picture. You should see a tiny flicker in the center of the lens as the shutter opens and closes. If no movement is seen, then you likely have a stuck shutter. If so, please see the following for further info and a simple fix that may help:
http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2009/05/simple-fix-for-stuck-shutter.html

lens assembly is bad must be replaced to make it work again .

Have Sony DSC-P73 with exact problem. Only turns on in SETUP mode and when switches to all other modes camera shuts off usually with lens extended. Have tried new batteries - new memory stick - new everything and nothing helped. I just took out the batteries and attached the AC ADAPTER and all works perfectly now so problem is with either batteries - battery compartment or battery connections. As long as you do not need a "PORTABLE" camera, using AC Adapter solves this problem :)

it normally indicates a problem with the batteries. Try inserting disposable alkaline battieres in the camera and turn it on.

If the lense is still out at the moment try pressing the play button the back of the camera to view the pictures taken, even with a very low battery this normally close the lense properly and enables you to view the pictures.

get a new one

Low battery maybe? Try holding camera firmly in one hand, with camera on and in record mode, and strike in on its edge firmly on the heal of your other hand. This technique is often sucessful with temporary camer 'quirks' like freezing, lens not fully retracting, etc.

it seems that the lense movement is jammed. Have you dropped the camera? just have a close look from the front side of the camera, does the lense assembly seems to be pressed or moved aside by some extra preassure? if no physical disalingment is visible may be some sand or dust partical is obstructing the movement of the lense assambly. needs a help from camera repair shop.

This sounds like what started happening with my camera a few weeks ago. I found that turning the LCD screen off during picture-taking allows me to take pictures. I then have to go into review mode to look at the pictures I took using the LCD screen. Definitely not a great fix. I'm trying to locate a firmware upgrade that may solve it.