When I look through the viewfinder, there viewfinder is black. It's fine when reviewing old images but not when in "take" mode.

http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/9/0900001319/01/PSS3ISCUGad-EN.pdf

use DISP button to switch between viewfinder and LCD
or read the manual

is your lens cover open for sure?

The LCD screen on the Olympus SP-800uz camera is widescreen (16:9).
If you set the camera to take pictures in (4:3) ratio you het the black sides.

Solution:
Select a Widescreen Image Size (see the manual page 30) by selecting one of
the available Image Size settings 16:9 (L) (4288×2416) or 16:9 (S) (1920×1080).

A stuck shutter is another common failure mode for digital cameras, particularly for the SD1000. The symptoms of a stuck or "sticky" shutter are very similar to CCD image sensor failure. The camera may take black pictures (for shutter stuck closed), or the pictures may be very bright and overexposed, sometimes with lines, especially when taken outdoors (for shutter stuck open). To confirm a stuck shutter, put the camera in any mode other than "Auto", and turn the flash OFF (you don't want to blind yourself for the next step). Next look down the lens and take a picture. You should see a tiny flicker in the center of the lens as the shutter opens and closes. If no movement is seen, then you likely have a stuck shutter. If so, please see this link for further info and a simple fix that may help.


By the way, my wife's SD1000 also has this problem every once in a while. I easily fix it by using the following steps from the link: powering on the camera, opening and closing the battery door, and flicking the end of the lens barrel with my fingertip (or you can tap it with a pencil as discussed in the link).

If camcorder shows old recorded tapes picture with correct colors in LCD but does not show live view in camera mode to record new movie then its ccd imager chip failure.
And if camcoder shows live view and old recorded tapes in its eye piece view finder but does not show any thing in LCD the its problem of broekn/ cracked flexible wire between lcd board and main board of camcorder.
Let me know your finding with bit detail to provide you solution/ helpful info.

to see the scene on the LCD screen, use liveview mode.

If u r unable to see live picture on LCD screen in camera mode, it means CCD Imager of camera isn't working. Contact nearest Sony service shop for proper solution because it requires CCD Imager replacement.

PLease see http://www.fixya.com/support/t131881-sony_cam_recorder_wont_record for more information on this i have had the same problem, faulty CCD image processor chip.

This suggests the mirror is stuck up in the take position. Remove the Lens and look at what is behind it In the rest mode you should see a mirror. If it is stuck up you would see the sensor window Which do you see. with the lens off - can the camera be switched on? This might just drop the mirror The mirror is surface silvered - do not touch it. If it still up then it is a repair shop/warranty replacement job.

Using the LCD viewfinder to compose images drains the power capacity of alkaline batteries very quickly. Instead, use the Optical viewfinder to compose your images. Under normal operating conditions using the Optical viewfinder, a set of AA-size alkaline batteries should last for about 35 images. Additional tips for extending battery life: * Use the AC adapter to review images on the LCD. * Use the AC adapter to review images on your TV. * Disable Quick Review mode. * For longer battery life, use one of the following types of batteries: o High capacity alkaline (a new product on the market as of Jan 2000) o Lithium o NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable. o NiCd (Nickel-Cadium)