Exactly the same problem - after the camera has taken about half a dozen pictures the image on the lcd loses focus and a message tells you to turn off and turn on. That has no effect on the condition. Start the camera up half an hour later and it may work for another half a dozen shots until the same fault disables the camera.

Same problem, same message. Have removed and recharged battery but still not working.

I have the same problem and have only had the camera for about a year and a half. Panasonic says it may be the lens needs re-aligning or replacing, i am disgusted this has happened as one minute everything was fine and then the problem occurs,i had this happen before when only 6 months old but resolved itself after many attempts of removing the battery card etc. I am a professional photographer by trade and this has been my go everywhere camera. Now nothing works except the playback function any help would be great as Panasonic have been no real joy.

I have the same problem it first happened a year ago while on holiday in Sorrento and returned again,nothing i try seems to work even holding in the lens and stopping it extending ,leaving it off for 24hrs,different cards,battery etc.This is my third digital camera to let me down yet my old Bronica Mamiya Canon and Contax film cameras are still going after many years usage. I have been very happy with the camera and any help would be greatly accepted.

Same with mine. It happened right after it was dropped. I tried other memory cards as well, and it still displays the same message, so it's definitely inside the camera.. the manual just said take it to a nearby service center. =/