Problem with E18

I dont know what error E18 means, check cannon support for that, but welcome to the world of DISPOSABLE CAMERAS, I have replaced 3 cameras in 3 years, 2 because of lens and shutter issuses.

I have the same issue "E18" on my powershot A95 and i don't know how i can solve it. Sorry. Loic

The E18 error is fairly common. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension.

Here's some things that you can do to try to correct it. They only seem to work for about 50% of lens errors, but they're still worth a try. Good luck! :

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

This error is caused by a faulty lens motor, contaminated transmission, or mechanical damage from dropping. Unfortunately, there is no easy fix for this and it requires service from Canon or other repair facility.

http://www.e18error.com/repair.htmls shows pictures of how to take apart a similar camera.
need an online translator from Bulgarian.

Canon Repair is out of the question.

the E18 means the lens system has a problem. I had it with my S2 and sometimes it worked, sometimes not. Eventually it stopped working. The only solution was sending it to repair, they changed the lens system.

Best Regards

Your first problem sounds like a defective CCD imager. If your camera was an S300 Canon should fix this for you for free, including free shipping both ways. 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

Unfortunately, you mention that your camera is an SD300. That model camera is not currently on the recall list. But you might want to call Canon anyways. You might get lucky as the problem sure sounds familiar to the recall (excuse me, advisory hehehe).

As for the SD500 with the E18 error, try http://www.e18error.com/repair.html

Your A410 problem really sounds like it might be a defective CCD imager. Canon would normally fix this for you for free, including free shipping both ways. 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
Unfortunately this is only for applicable cameras A40, A60, A70, A75, A80, A85, A95, A300, A310, S1 IS, S60, S200, S230, S330, S400, S410, S500, SD100, SD110
But you may want to contact canon anyways to see if they will help.
As for your SD500 e18 issue,
The E18 error is fairly common. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension.
Here's some things that you can do to try to correct it. Have already fixed several cameras with this problem by using these methods:
http://www.e18error.com/repair.html

This is a problem with the CCD card. Canon has issued a recall and will fix/repair for free. Go to the Canon website and search for CCD to get more info (or call them direct).

Try and clean the LCD connector _flexible connectors. If you are able to see the dark picture- The back light panel is defective or improper contact. If the picture is perfect in the PC when you download,,then the LCD may be defective For LCD pl.e mail me...may be we can give a new one.