Camera (Olympus SP500-uz) turns on, but shutter button and zoom lever don't work

Return to Olympus for service

You may order a copy of the manual from here. It's not free because somebody has to cover the cost of printing.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_consumercontact.asp
click on this link togo to olympus support contact us page

I have had a similar problem. My solution was to check the zoom button. It seems that when it is "out of range" you can do nothing with the camera. Try to adjust the zoom a Little bit and you will probably be "in range" and the camera with work.

I don't have an answer but I have had this problem too. I think it has something to do with the zoom/shutter control. Something broke on this and the camera can't be revived unless you shut it off and on again. I was in the Montparnasse cemetery in Paris when this happened and I suspect I might as well have buried it there.

Yes you can. The Olympus SP600UZ can definitely zoom in to the subject not only in still but also while taking videos. The same lever(can be found on the location of the shutter button) that you use for zooming in while taking still pictures, should be the same thing that you access to zoom to your subject video-wise

I will second that. I can't seem to find a solution for the exact same problem. I tried to take a picture but does not respond, If I take the batteries out and put them back in as soon as I turn it on it takes a picture, then doesn't respond again. AHHHHHHH. Ive only had this camera for about 18 months and I'm so disappointed. I had a fujifilm 5600 Which I passed onto my sister we both have never had a problem, it's 5 years old now and still going strong, Now my camera is wiggin out and I need it to work ASAP CAN ANYONE HELP US

zoom error usually comes from lens off track or bent.. definitely needs repair

If the Camera is capable of Multishots then the manual will tell you how. Taking pictures of fast moving object depends on what sort of result you require. If you wish to 'stop' the object with a blurred background then with the camera of P setting simply pan [swing] with the object as it moves and press the shutter when in centre- So with lets say a fast car come from right moving to left[the the other way] point far right ans move with the car as it comes to your centre click but keep moving your swing. But there is no substitute for practice and experiment

Changing the firmware won't change anything. The micro switch may be stuck in the on postition. If you are familiar with micro circuits, you could get the switch from Olympus or USCamera.com and replace it. Or, send the camera to Olympus or an Olympus authorized shop.