I bought a used Sanyo 8.1 MP camera, and when I turn it on(it has new batteries in it) then push the button to take a picture, the shutter closes and turns the camera off. Any idea what might be causing this?

i could be that the rechargeable batter is weak. try replaceing the battery for a new one. also check that the connections for the battery are clearn.

I hope this was useful.

Assuming you have new batteries and the camera lens cover is opening when turned on. Try switching to any mode other than automatic, turn off the flash, and press the shutter button. Many cameras have a safety feature that prevents the flash capacitor from charging if the case is opened. This is to lessen the chance of electric shock. They usually use one or two of the screws along the perimeter of the camera to complete a circuit that lets the processor know that the case is closed. Verify that all the screws are in place along the perimeter of your camera, and that there are no gaps along the perimeter seams. If you're missing a screw, try using one of the others to replace it.
If they're all there, next thing to check is the batteries. The brand that you're using may have reached its shelf life, or just may not have sufficient power to charge the flash capacitor. Try a better brand, or better yet rechargeable NiMH batteries.
If the above didn't help, then the flash tube or its circuit is probably at fault. In this case, would then recommend professional repair. This repair is somewhat difficult, requires some soldering, has some danger of electrical shock, and goes beyond what I'd like to describe here

I dropped the camera and now the shutter opens when turning off & closes when I open the camera. But when it is open, the shutter will open a bit making it impossible to take pictures. What should I do or where do I take it for repairs?
Tks, Ruth

Make sure your shutter is open mine was stuck closed and I had to push it open and then I stopped getting the message, But now it doesn't close, it doesn't seen to affect the camera pictures.

This is a common situation with many compact point&shoot cameras. This is because before the camera can take the picture it must focus, meter the light to set the exposure, and more. Bigger, more expensive cameras have more hardware to help eliminate this "shutter lag."

You can anticipate the action. Press the shutter button halfway to focus and meter. Hold the shutter button there until the peak of the action and then press it the rest of the way. This will eliminate much of the shutter lag.

i have not used my camera since June, when i went to charge the battery the other night the Red light just kept flashing even after leaving it for 8 hours, i can get pictures from it which are stored in it but the shutter will not open whilist in and out of the cradle.

all figured out,,,,the shutter button is too close to the shut off button,its happened to me many times ,next time it happns try to catch yourself and see which button you pressed,,guaranteed!!! it sucks

The only thing I can recommend is to manually push the cover open. But, it will probably stay that way, and not close.

If you have used the camera a lot in that time frame then I would try a new battery first.

Format the card. I have same problem with mine ---requires a new shutter assembly.$40.00 item and they want $300.00 to fix it at Henry`s cameras. Ouch .Better to buy a new camera.