What does PICTURE ERROR mean? not in manual nor on line

http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/manual/zoom/bman_sp500uz_e.pdf
Click on the above link and download the manual.
hope u will find ur solution.

Make sure you have the switch turned to "take picture (camera)" instead of "reveiw photos (green triagle)". On this one, i think it is a wheel on the top of the camera.

Only thing I can think of...

-Mark

You probably just need to format the card in the camera. This will completely erase it so download any pictures first.

From what I am told your CCD is damaged. I have the same problem with my Z812.

This sounds like it might be a defective CCD imager. If so, Canon should fix this for you for free, including free shipping both ways. This is regardless of your camera's warranty status. Please check the following two links for more info:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/11/canon-digital-cameras-showing-black.html

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&fcategoryid=225&modelid=13390&keycode=2112&id=29819

Applicable cameras include:
A40, A60, A70, A75, A80, A85, A95, A300, A310, S1 IS, S60, S200, S230, S330, S400, S410, S500, SD100, SD110, IXUS V2/300/400/430/500, IXY Digital 200a/300a/400/450/500

Sounds like you will need to format the memory card. This will permanently erase all the data from the card and then you will be able to use it again. To format the card: Press the Menu button - right arrow to setup - right arrow to format option. You will see format yes or no. Choose Yes and press ok. This will clear the Picture error message and the card can be used again. The picture error message indicates that this image is now corrupted and unable to be viewed through the camera.

By default Olympus cameras do not print the date on the images when they are downloaded to a PC. Olympus does not include this functionality because they feel that it detracts from image quality. There is a function of the camera called print order that you can set that it will print the date on the images but this is only if you take the card to a photo processing store. However if you use the Olympus Master software and print the images that you have previously transferred there is a check box in the print setting window that you can add the date and or time to the printed image.

Your lens may need adjusting. This info may help . Other People solved problem. Lots of Info on this link.

http://www.fixya.com/support/t102982-e_18_problem

try to put the card on a card reader and check through the different folders on the card. if u don´t find anything u need to use a recover program to recover the pics. good luck

that´s not usual to happen it´s the first time that i see it, and if the pics aren´t there the camera can´t help u, just take the card to a card reader and try to see them there.