Malfunction? I Cannot See An Image In The Viewfinder.

this is what's written at the Canon site with regard to this camera (and others).
hope this helps:


Issue: The LCD/Electronic Viewfinder will not display an image or the image is distorted.
Solution: Special information regarding a blank or distorted screen on certain digital camera models

Important Notice About Your Canon Product: It has recently come to our attention that the vendor-supplied CCD image sensors used in this Canon digital camera may cause the following malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode, the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distorted image or no image at all. While reports of this malfunction have been rare in the United States, we have determined that it may occur if the product is exposed to hot and humid environments.
Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, products exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor. Canon will also cover the cost of shipping and handling in connection with this repair.
U.S. residents are kindly directed to contact the Canon Customer Support Center for further assistance at 1-800-828-4040. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight; and Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (all times EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email to [email protected]
This information is for residents of the United States of America and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this issue, and appreciate your understanding in this matter. Thank you for your support and patronage of Canon products.

there is a service advisory for this particular problem from canon....

Service Notice: CCD Image Sensor Advisory (Updated Oct.31, 2006)

It has come to our attention that the vendor-supplied CCD image sensor used in certain Canon digital cameras and digital video camcorders may cause the following malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode, the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distorted image or no image at all. While reports of this malfunction have been rare in the United States, we have determined that it may occur if the product is exposed to hot and humid environments.

Affected products:
- Camcorders: ZR60, ZR65 MC, ZR70 MC, ZR80, ZR85, ZR90, ELURA 40 MC, ELURA 50
- Digital Cameras A60, A70, A75, A300, A310, S230, SD100, SD110, A40(*), A80(*), A85(*), A95(*), S1 IS(*), S60(*), S200(*), S330(*), S400(*), S410(*), S500(*)
*Models added as of Oct.31, 2006

Malfunction:
It has been confirmed that the connecting parts of the internal wiring of the CCD used in affected products may become disconnected, especially if the affected products are stored or used in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. If this occurs, the signal is not output from the CCD normally in Shooting Mode, which may cause a distorted image or the absence of an image. This malfunction can be confirmed on the LCD monitor screen during shooting. The same malfunction also appears on the recorded image.

Canon's Response:
Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, the products listed above exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if Canon determines that the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor.


We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this issue, and appreciate your understanding in this matter. Thank you for your support and patronage of Canon products.


So please go to your country's canon website and get the contact details, give them a call and have it repaired free of cost.


Regards
Iversh

1. The viewfinder's diopter is probably out of focus (doesn't affect Auto Focus of photos). There's a dial and a +/- symbol next to the viewfinder. Turn the dial till you can see clearly through it. Alternative reason: The glass in the viewfinder is dirty/foggy. Use camera cleaning solution (a drop) on a cotton bud to clean it.

2. Malfunction needs Canon Service Centre to take a look at.

Hi,

Apparently the vendor-supplied CCD image sensor used in this Canon digital camera may cause the following malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode, the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distorted image or no image at all.

To determine if the CCD (image sensor) is working properly, follow these steps:

1. Insert a memory card with known good images on it into the camera.

2. Power the camera on to the Playback mode.

3. Press the DISPLAY (DISP) button to enable the LCD panel, and observe
the LCD.

a. If the images are displayed properly, please proceed to step
four.

b. If the images are not displayed, or a "NO IMAGES" message
appears, please ensure that the memory card contains known good images.

c. If the card contains known good images, and the issue persists
with a second memory card, the camera will require service.

4. Switch the camera to the Camera mode. You may use any shooting mode
(i.e. Auto, Manual).

5. Press the DISPLAY (DISP) button to enable the LCD panel.

6. Point the camera at a well-lit scene and observe the LCD and/or
viewfinder. If the scene the camera is pointed at appears on the LCD
and/or viewfinder, the CCD is operating properly. If the LCD and/or
viewfinder remain black, the camera requires service.

Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will
repair, free of charge, products exhibiting the above-mentioned
malfunction if the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor. Canon will also cover the cost of shipping and handling in connection with this repair.



Regards.

I looked into to this it is the ccd and Canon will fix it for free (shipping included), as stated below. I have copied what has helped me!
It has recently come to our attention that the vendor-supplied CCD image sensor used in this Canon digital camera may cause the following malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode, the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distorted image or no image at all. While reports of this malfunction have been rare in the United States, we have determined that it may occur if the product is exposed to hot and humid environments.
Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, products exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor. Canon will also cover the cost of shipping and handling in connection with this repair.
U.S. residents are kindly directed to contact the Canon Customer Support Center for further assistance at 1-800-828-4040. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight; and Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (all times EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email to [email protected]

Service Notice: CCD Image Sensor Advisory (Updated 10/31/2006)

This Service Notice will update Canon U.S.A., Inc.'s previous CCD Image Sensor Advisory, dated October 6, 2005.
It has come to our attention that the vendor-supplied CCD image sensor used in certain Canon digital cameras and digital video camcorders may cause the following malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode, the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distorted image or no image at all. While reports of this malfunction have been rare in the United States, we have determined that it may occur if the product is exposed to hot and humid environments.
Notice of Additional Affected Products:
As a result of our continuing investigation of this malfunction, we have determined that the 11 models listed below, in addition to the 16 models listed in our Service Notice concerning this malfunction, dated October 6, 2005, may be affected.
Affected products:
- Camcorders: ZR60, ZR65 MC, ZR70 MC, ZR80, ZR85, ZR90, ELURA 40 MC, ELURA 50
- Digital Cameras A60, A70, A75, A300, A310, S230, SD100, SD110, A40(*), A80(*), A85(*), A95(*), S1 IS(*), S60(*), S200(*), S330(*), S400(*), S410(*), S500(*)
*Models added as of Oct.31, 2006
Malfunction:
It has been confirmed that the connecting parts of the internal wiring of the CCD used in affected products may become disconnected, especially if the affected products are stored or used in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. If this occurs, the signal is not output from the CCD normally in Shooting Mode, which may cause a distorted image or the absence of an image. This malfunction can be confirmed on the LCD monitor screen during shooting. The same malfunction also appears on the recorded image.
Canon's Response:
Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, the products listed above exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if Canon determines that the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor. Canon will also cover the cost of shipping and handling in connection with this repair.
U.S. residents are kindly directed to contact the Canon Customer Support Center for further assistance at 1-800-828-4040. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight; and Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (all times EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email to [email protected]
This information is for residents of the United States of America and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this issue, and appreciate your understanding in this matter. Thank you for your support and patronage of Canon products.

This is what I found on
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&tabact=SupportDetailTabAct&fcategoryid=221&modelid=8776


Important Notice About Your Canon Product:

It has recently come to our attention that the vendor-supplied CCD image sensors used in this Canon digital camera may cause the following malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode, the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distorted image or no image at all. While reports of this malfunction have been rare in the United States, we have determined that it may occur if the product is exposed to hot and humid environments.
Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, products exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor. Canon will also cover the cost of shipping and handling in connection with this repair.

If you go to canon.com they have the instructions on who to contact
and how to send the camera in. I haven't done it yet but will report
on when I do.

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This Service Notice will update Canon U.S.A.,Inc.'s previous CCD Image Sensor Advisory, dated October 6, 2005.
It has come to our attention that the vendor-supplied CCD image sensor usedin certain Canon digital cameras and digital video camcorders may cause thefollowing malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode,the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distortedimage or no image at all. While reports of this malfunction have been rare inthe United States,we have determined that it may occur if the product is exposed to hot and humidenvironments.
Notice of Additional Affected Products:
As a result of our continuing investigation of this malfunction, we havedetermined that the 11 models listed below, in addition to the 16 models listedin our Service Notice concerning this malfunction, dated October 6, 2005, may be affected.
Affected products:
- Camcorders: ZR60, ZR65 MC, ZR70 MC, ZR80, ZR85, ZR90, ELURA 40 MC, ELURA50
- Digital Cameras A60, A70, A75, A300, A310, S230, SD100, SD110, A40(*),A80(*), A85(*), A95(*), S1 IS(*), S60(*), S200(*), S330(*), S400(*), S410(*),S500(*)
*Models added as of Oct.31, 2006
Malfunction:
It has been confirmed that the connecting parts of the internal wiring of theCCD used in affected products may become disconnected, especially if theaffected products are stored or used in high-temperature and high-humidityenvironments. If this occurs, the signal is not output from the CCD normally inShooting Mode, which may cause a distorted image or the absence of an image.This malfunction can be confirmed on the LCD monitor screen during shooting.The same malfunction also appears on the recorded image.
Canon's Response:
Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair,free of charge, the products listed above exhibiting the above-mentionedmalfunction if Canon determines that the malfunction is caused by the CCD imagesensor. Canon will also cover the cost of shipping and handling in connectionwith this repair.
U.S. residents are kindly directed to contact the Canon Customer Support Center for furtherassistance at 1-800-828-4040. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 8:00 AM

It has recently come to our attention that the vendor-supplied CCD image sensors used in this Canon digital camera may cause the following malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode, the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distorted image or no image at all. While reports of this malfunction have been rare in the United States, we have determined that it may occur if the product is exposed to hot and humid environments.

Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, products exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor. Canon will also cover the cost of shipping and handling in connection with this repair.

U.S. residents are kindly directed to contact the Canon Customer Support Center for further assistance at 1-800-828-4040. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight; and Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (all times EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email to [email protected]