Canon powershot SD780 is camera. Camera shows the canon screen then turns black and beeps three times then says "lens error restart camera". I don't know how to restart...i need to use it I'm on a trip What do I do?

There's really no way to restart it if there's a physical problem with the lens. Try to power it on again but if that doesn't reset it, the camera needs to be serviced. A great site for help with these is: camerasandparts.com They just specialize in service for the Canon Powershots and nothing else, they are fantastic if you need help with one of these problems. Try them, your exact SD780 lens error restart camera problem is right on the site for the SD780. Good luck, that's the place for help with a powershot, it just sucks that it happened while you are on vacation.

HI there,

It seems that there was a mechanical problem happening on your camera.

For some clarification of your problem, is there an incident that you dropped or bangs the camera accidentally?

The error means that the camera lens has error on retracting its lens. FIRST things to do, check the camera for any dirt or dust on it, especially the lens area, check and clean the edges with a soft cloth to remove any stains or dirt on it.
SECOND if still says "restart the camera" just hold the power button until you see it shut itself off and power back on again. The other way is to remove the battery let it sit for around an hour then put it back and see if that helps as a hard reset.
THIRD if the problem was still there, put back the camera battery and power on the camera. While holding the camera power button try to tap the bottom back area of the camera, this way it can help the camera lens to retract successfully.

Mechanical /Lens error was common problem to digital camera. If the 3 simple steps to fix the problem does not resolve the issue. You may try to DIY, by opening the unit and check for any stuck parts on the lens area but the risk is, you may put up the camera on mess if you accidentally damaged the unit, the camera has too many small parts and you may wreck the whole unit.

If you have know experienced, background and proper knowledge how to open and fix the unit. I will advised you to seek for a professional to help you, or you may bring the unit to Canon Service Center near your place.

Hope this initial info/idea helps.

Let me know for any clarification.

Thank you for using fixya.