Taking photos my camera will not allow me to take photos, every time i try to the screen goes blank and it says "E18" in the bottom left corner, how can i fix this?

Here's a little more. This problem can also be caused by dirt or sand getting into the lens worm gear. Try these in order (know some of these sound silly): 1) turn off the camera, remove the flash card and batteries, then reinsert them. 2) turn the camera on and off with the AV cable inserted, 3) moderately rap the camera with the palm of your hand, 4) gently pull or push on the lens to try to overcome the lens jam, then restart. If all the above has not worked, AND if the A4XX camera is no longer under warranty, AND if this problem did not result from the camera being dropped, here's how to fix it, and it's relatively easy: http://homepage.mac.com/jpelling/page0/page0.html By the way, don't know Justin, but he did a very nice job showing how to open the camera case and clean out the grit and sand from the camera lens drive gear. Make sure you send him an email to thank him

Hi, I researched the Canon site and the E18 message relates to a lens issue. Your lens sounds like it's "jammed" and so the camera is displaying the error message. According to the Canon online support, the error is temporary and should go away the next time you properly turn on the camera. Howevcer, since you say it happens every time, it may be a bigger issue with the lens. There suggestion is to have it inspected by a certified repair person. This is what I got off the Canon site: Issue: Lens will not move and camera may display an E18 or "Lens" error. Solution: Possible solutions for an E18 or Lens Error message PowerShot A410 The "E18" or "Lens" error message indicates an error that involves the lens unit or lens cover. This error may appear where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting such as, for example, when pressure is applied to the lens or the area surrounding the lens while handling the camera. The error may also be displayed if the lens unit/camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera. Solution Check the following when you operate the camera to avoid applying pressure to the lens and surrounding area: * Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting. * Make sure the camera is off before the camera is placed back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case. If you cannot clear the error code by turning the camera off and then on again, or if the error code is displayed frequently, a camera malfunction may have occurred. Good luck. NewMediaMan