The view screen on my Power Shot A470 canon camera is black and won't take pictures. I can view stored pictures. Batteries are good. Lens will zoom in and out.

Make sure that the batteries in the camera are good and turn it on. Is there a light that comes on to let you know that the camera has power and is ready when you press the power button? Does that light come on and what color is it?

If the light ends up green, then you know the batteries are good and the camera is functioning properly and is ready to take a picture. If this is the case, then after you turn it on - look on the back of the camera for the focus zoom in and out buttons. Sometimes they look like a switch that you can rock right or left. Press the switch and look through the lens. Does press the switch or arrows in either direction clear up your view and allow you to see anything? Are you looking through the lens hole or are you using a small screen to view on the back of the camera? If you are looking at a screen on the back of the camera and that screen is black - it means that you dont have the exterior view option turned on in the cameras settings. Sometimes there is a button labeled "view" on the back of the camera to alternate from the exterior view screen on the back of the camera and using the lens hole view at the top. Press that key to make the view screen turn on. If this option is not turned on yet, press the menu key on the camera and use the arrow keys to scroll through the option choices until you find the image preview choices and turn this option on. Then save this choice and close the menu features to see if it comes on.

If you are not getting a power indicator light when you turn the camera on, then replace the batteries. If the light comes on and its something other then green and steady - (like red and flashing) check your camera manual to see what this indicator means. Some cameras show a red light that is flashing when you turn them on to indicate that the memory card is full. Some camera have a red light that is steady to indicate that the battiers are almost out of power and they will show a picture on the digital to indicate how much power you have left before they shut down. Each model camera is different according to the options it came with.

This sounds like there is a problem with your camera's shutter mechanism and won't be resolved by changing your settings. You'll have to get your unit serviced by an authorized Canon service center. Hope this helps!

Hiram
Photo Tech Repair Service
110 East 13th Street
New York, NY 10003
212-673-8400

my canon Power shot A470 gives fade white photos but the movie is good it's normal what can i do for pictures.

The same as you?

Hey,
It sounds like you're having the same problem,
Here is a link
http://www.e18error.com/repair.html

It may be usefull,
good luck mate!

Hi,

The black screen problem means the lens sensor is spoiled due to over exposure to heat. Its better to give it to cannon service centre. If your camera is under warranty period its well and good they will replace the lens sensor for free of cost.

Thank you

Are you still using alkaline batteries? If so, alkaline batteries just don't have the power for more than a few pictures in a digital camera. Some may also have reached their shelf life, and though right out of the package may even have problems just powering startup of the camera. Digital cameras that use AA's for the most part should only be used with rechargeable NiMH batteries. If you read the camera's instruction manual concerning batteries, you may see the same recommendation.

Keep in mind rechargeable NiMH batteries will save you money in the long run over alkalines, AND they'll last for at least 100 pictures per charge (and probably many many more). You'll be very pleased with their performance, and may be angry with yourself for not buying them sooner. When at the store, look on the package for a power rating of at least 2500 mah.

the block is damaged ...see if the lens barrels are a little bent or something....

canon has a recall on this camera. call them and they will send you a box to send it back. If you are one of the lucky ones the will send you a canon s5is back...really nice camera

You need to power it with rechargable batteries. with the MAH being no less than 2000. I bought a charger which came with 2batteries for less than a tenner