I had the exact same problem with my 3 year old G9. It just wouldn't start even with a newly charged battery. I sent it to Canon and paid $160. It worked for a day and then it wouldn't shut off with an error message that read "Lens Error, Restart Camera" but of course the camera wouldn't restart because the lens wouldn't retract. So I sent it back and charged me $160 again but then refunded it when I complained. Upon return it lasted a day again and gave me the same error. They said they're fixing it again for free but won't replace it. I've gone all summer without a camera, have a long planned trip to Europe next week and am afraid it won't last. They've lost me as a customer after coughing up $660 for a camera that lasted 3 years. SOoooo disapointed as this camera was a big purchase for me, a homeschooling, no income Mom. I researched it thoroughly.