Canon SD890IS Shows e18

E18 error refers to a lens error .Try checking if any dust got on the lens barrel if not check with the Canon dealer for a replacement as this is might be a factory fault

E18 is the standard Canon lens error. The lens gets stuck when extending. If you did not drop it and there are no signs of damage you can check with Canon and try to get the camera repaired under warranty.

If it is not covered here are a few methods to try on your own, at your own risk.
http://www.e18error.com/repair.html

Good Luck,
-WN

The following blog outlines some repair options for a E18 lens error. They won't work for all cases, but they're worth a try if the camera's no longer under warranty:
　
http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

Hi

The Canon E18 error happens when the lens gets stuck while trying to extend. When your camera was dropped the lens mechanism was damaged resulting in this error for a jammed mechanism.

If the camera is still under warranty you should see if Canon are willing to repair it. If not you can view this link which is a very good walkthrough with pictures on how the error was resolved with a Canon SD300.

As you can see from this the process is intricate enough and involves opening the camera so should only be attempted if you feel confident about taking it on.
http://members.shaw.ca/gregs_space/Canon_E18_repair_guide_for_SD300.pdf

Hope this helps. Please remember to rate my answer. Many Thanks.

Here is some information on the E18 error: http://www.e18error.com
A repair guide (suggestions) http://www.e18error.com/repair.html
Forum for users with the same problem http://www.e18error.com/posts/index.php

The E18 error is an error message on Canon digital cameras. The E18 error occurs when anything prevents the zoom lens from properly extending or retracting.[1] The error has become notorious in the Canon user community as it can completely disable the camera, requiring expensive repairs.
A quick internet search for "E18" + "canon" quickly reveals hundreds of similar complaints.
ConsumerAffairs.com reports that the "lens has a feature called bellows claw, which is a gear that physically extends and retracts the lens. A piece that holds the lens, the barrier plate, is not large enough and can sometimes cause the bellows claw to malfunction, resulting in a stuck lens". The result is a black screen that only contains the error message, E18. Another problem mentioned on the site blames a sticky iris in the lens, caused by grease entering inside from the microphones built into the lens. The buildup freezes up the ability of the lens to open.

The following blog outlines some repair options for an E18 lens error. They won't work for all cases, but they're worth a try if the camera's no longer under warranty:

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

It's important that you fix the E18 error first, as the blur of colors may be symproms of a failing CCD. If so, Canon would fix this for you for free IF the camera has no other problems (ie no E18 lens error). Please see the following info:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/11/canon-digital-cameras-showing-black.html

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&fcategoryid=225&modelid=13390&keycode=2112&id=29819

The following blog outlines some repair options for an E18 lens error. They won't work for all cases, but they're worth a try if the camera's no longer under warranty:

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

The following blog outlines some repair options for a lens error. They won't work for all cases, but they're worth a try if the camera's no longer under warranty:

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

The following outlines some repair options for a lens error:

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