Loss of imaging.

Replace lens

Time for a new camera perhaps ? Sreen is faulty, most likely and fixing may be too expensive.

possible ccd issue.screen indicators for sure is ok, and viewfinder would show same black screen.this model is included in a recall by sony because of a defect in the ccd imaging sensor years back.but sad to say the program (and even the extension for it) is no longer available for all affected camcorder models. now it only includes the dsct1 and dscf717 dig cams.i.m sorry this unit would need replacement of the ccd imaging sensor.hope this info helps.thanks.

If your screen works in playback mode, the screen and flexible circuit boards are intact. To shoot an image using the LCD screen you must first activate the "live view" function in the setup menu, and then press the live view (Lv) button to view your image on the LCD.

If camera shows Menu item or any on-screen display in LCD but no live view to take picture then it can be either aperture problem or defective ccd imager.
And if you do not see any display icon in LCD then of course LCD section is bad or LCD back light is Off for some reason. Try to see faint image in LCD if it is totally blank by pointing good amount of light with flash light or some thing.

This sounds like it might be a defective CCD imager. If so, Canon should fix this for you for free worldwide, and may also include free shipping both ways (free shipping varies with countries). This is regardless of your camera's warranty status. Please check this link for more info.

Applicable cameras include:
A40, A60, A70, A75, A80, A85, A95, A300, A310, S1 IS, S60, S200, S230, S330, S400, S410, S500, SD100, SD110, IXUS V2/V3/300/400/430/500/II/IIs, IXY Digital 200a/300a/320/400/450/500/30/30a

CCD Failure !

Lucky u can get it repaired Free just call Sony in ur region see link

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?mdl=DSCT1&news_id=161

There are two modes to the XS's Live View system, selectable via Custom Function 7. Live View is disabled by default, by the way, so you'll need to find this menu item in Settings Menu 2 to turn it on. The two options are called Quick and Live modes. Quick mode works as most Live View modes do, dropping the mirror when you press the AE-Lock button (marked with an asterisk) to use the conventional phase-detect autofocus system. This temporarily blacks out the Live View image, which makes it impossible to know that you're still framing the subject and holding your AF point in the proper place.
That's why they added the second mode, which they call Live, but is better described as contrast-detect autofocus. This works just like a digicam, reading the image from the imaging sensor while adjusting the lens for the setting that produces the most contrast in the image. A small square appears in the center of the image area, and you can move it around with the cross keys. Just like Quick mode, unfortunately, you have to press the AE-Lock button first until you hear the focus confirmation beep, then press the shutter button to fire. It's a little slower at times than phase-detect mode, but it gets the job done. Live mode is really better for tripod work, where you can place the AF area right where you want it and confirm focus onscreen.
Both modes offer the ability to zoom in on your live view, excellent for confirming focus before capture. Using the Magnify button just right of the AE-Lock button, you can zoom in 5x or 10x, then press the AE-Lock button to focus if you like; but of course you can't confirm framing in that mode.

You need to go into the menu function to turn the screen on (this feature saves the batterys)

My viewing screen is black. I had successfully taken a picture, viewed it, and turned the camera off. When I turned it back on about 30 seconds later, the viewing sceen was black. I can 'take' a picure, but it comes out black. Help!