When I "power' on camera,

If any amount of moisture has entered the camera this will not be a user fix, it will require service.

Go to the Canon web site and look at the list of error codes for an explanation. Or Google Canon Error Codes

Stuck zoom is the most common failure mode for a digital camera. Some common error messages that might show up on the LCD's of cameras with this problem include "E18 lens error", or "lens error, restart camera". Some cameras might show nothing at all, but merely make a beeping noise as the lens goes out, then in, then the camera shuts off. Sometimes the lens won't even move.
The problem is actually quite common throughout all camera brands. 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.
A camera owner that suffers this problem may have no recourse for having the camera repaired. Many camera makers will not honor repairing this problem under warranty as they claim it is due to impact damage to the camera, or sand or debris getting into the lens gearing mechanism (neither of which is covered under warranty). The quoted repair cost is usually close to or more than what the camera is actually worth.
This part can be easily replaced in most cameras.
The following video shows how to open a Nikon Coolpix P80:

http://www.desmontalo.com/?p=277

"Lens error, restart camera". 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 an article and here's a video that shows some things that you can try that may (or may not) correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try. Some of the later steps do involve some risk to the camera, so carefully weigh your options before deciding to conduct them.

Lens errors (Zoom Errors on FinePix) 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 are some troubleshooting steps that you can try that may (or may not) correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try. Some of the later steps do involve some risk to the camera, so carefully weigh your options before deciding to conduct them:

Unfortunately, many cameras that fall prey to lens error problems can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some last resort troubleshooting steps that you can try that may correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try.

I'm afraid that it's a new lens assembly or a professional repair. Unless the camera is still under warranty.
Same thing happened to my Panasonic Lumix. I completely stripped down the camera to see if I could find the offending bit of dust or dirt that everyone online says is the problem. No chance. I tried all the tricks, including banging the camera quite hard on my kitchen table (I was quite frustrated by that point!)
I've narrowed it down to a small motor that controls the lens and consequently the focus part. But you simply can't buy the parts. A professional repair quoted more than the camera was worth so I sold it on ebay for 'spares or repair' and bought a new one.
The 'lens error' problem plagues all of these compact zoom cameras, so unfortunately it's a very common fault and expensive to repair.
Sorry it's not good news.

Hi,

Checkout this tip about digital camera error messages


Lens Errorfix for Digital Camera

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In this link can find details about everything you can try to fix it without sending it to a repair shop: Fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera

Hope helps (remember to rate and comment this answer).

does it also show a lens error or any E18 error??

have you dropped it anywhere recently??

did you try a hard reset?