E 18 error

When I first got this camera I was thrilled! The clarity of the photos I took wer amazing for only being 2.0 megapixels. I was more than happy with my camera for almost three years, untill all of a sudden my shudder started acting up. It either wouldn't close or open and a message saying E18 would appear on the screen. I researched this error and found that it is apparently a common problem in many models of canon cameras....and canon would not take responsibilty for it. They say that it is due to owner misuse or abuse of the camera. I can assure you that I have never been anything but careful with my camera so that really isn't possible. Now my camera is very temperamental and will work only on occassion. Do not by this camera or any other power shot camera. Because of my experience with this camera I will never buy another canon product.