Lens error, will shutdown automatically

@ricardomillan lens errors are common with digital cameras. First try to fix it by using some of the advise listed on here. If none of those work, you may have to consider replacing the lens. The issue with repairing it, is that parts are usually not available to repair the lens. The problem now is that you will have to be a Pathfinder. There are no guides or teardown for this camera. You are going to have to go solo on that one. The only thing I would suggest is that you use one of the other SD PowerShot guides. Luckily all of them share enough similarities that those guides will be helpful. Just move slowly and methodically and you should be ok.

While you work on your camera, take lots of pictures. Once you are done with it, take those pictures and create a guide for iFixit. That will help the next person that has a device with the same issues as you do. It's easy and fun to create these guides. https://ifixit.com/Guide/new The iFixit community will appreciate this.

Repair is War on Entropy!

I had a similar issue! What worked for me was taking a Q-tip, a toothpick, and a small bristle type brush and carefully cleaning each of the outer lens coverings. You don’t necessarily need the brush, I just used it because my camera had some old debris buildup. I also used a small amount of rubbing alcohol as a cleaner. As I cleaned each layer, the camera eventually started turning on, but it would still show the "Lens Error."

After that, I started cleaning closer to the actual camera lens. I also removed the hard outer cover and lightly but continuously cleaned the inside as well, especially the areas near the actual lens mechanism. Just remember to be really gentle, and don’t force anything or push the toothpick into the lens mechanism, since you don’t want to damage anything. After cleaning with the toothpick, I went in with a Q-tip that had a small drop of rubbing alcohol on it.

After about an hour of carefully cleaning it, I was finally able to get the camera to turn on without the “Lens Error” message. I’m not sure if this will work for everyone, but it’s worth trying if you’re comfortable doing it.

PS: The screws are tiny, so if you find that you need to open the camera to clean it because you’re still getting the “Lens Error” message after cleaning the outer layers, don’t forget to keep the screws in a baggie or somewhere nearby. They’re really small and easy to lose!

Hope this helps ☺️