Camera powers off when I try to take a picture...

This is basically the infamous Canon "E18" error, which has been around for quite a while.
I would type out my own suggestions but since it's such a common error I'll just direct you to a nice long list of solutions already compiled elsewhere: http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

Ensure that the battery is fully charged. If the battery is fully charged and the problem continues, export all the photos to a computer and format the memory card.
If there is an issue with the memory card, formatting may resolve the issue.

Your problem may be due to weak/worn out batteries or corrosion on the battery contacts inside the camera which can prevent the full power of the batteries from flowing into the camera. Try this free fix before you do anything else: remove the batteries and wipe the camera contacts firmly with a dry cloth (heavy corrosion may require cleaning with a wire brush, steel wool, or sandpaper). Remove any residue that may have fallen into the battery compartment during cleaning, then wipe both ends of the batteries and place them back in the camera. This cleaning clears the problem about 90% of the time. If it doesn't work for you, your batteries may need to be replaced, or the camera may have a problem that requires professional repair.

try taking the batteries and memory card out let it set and put everything back in it ang cut it on

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's 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:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

One thing, you mentioned that the lens error occurred after you wer able to take a good picture. This really sounds like your battery ran down during shooting, and did not have sufficient power to properly shutdown the camera. Focus on your battery as the potential cause first. Note that if the battery is older than a couple years, it may be time for a new one. Rechargeable are not meant to last indefinitely.

Hi

Try turning the flash off and see if you can then take pictures. If that works then your flash is defective and needs to be replaced.

We are a digital camera repair business (Google Darntoothysam) and we can do that repair for you for a very reasonable price, or you can look for a defective camera online and make one good camera from the two.

Good luck from Darntoothysam com

Thomas

The best chance to use your SD1000 is to set to picture, push ISO (on top of the func. set ring) and set to hi. This works pretty well. Do not bother sending any camera to Canon, they charge the "standard charge" plus for all their manufacturing problems on all Canon cameras. Definately the worst customer service on the market.

tried updating to the newer version of software, free updates from the canon website

Hi attache the camera to computer scan anti virus and try to download pictures

Yjis is a component fault.
Contact Canon you may qualify for a free replacement.