My display screen is black. I have new batteries. The camera shutter clicks and flashes, so it appears to take pictures.

You may have accidentally depressed the display (DISP.) button. Hit it again to turn the display on. Next thing I would do is thing I would do is reset the camera. This is a fairly easy procedure which involves either going into your setup menu and choosing "reset," or, removing the batteries for a few minutes. It may be that the firmware loading got corrupted and the camera just needs to be "rebooted," which is something that turning it on/off won't accomplish. But after which, you should have the camera reset to factory default settings.

Another tip is to go to Canon's website and look for firmware updates. Download and install them.

Absent that, you may have to send it in for repair as that's Canon's only other option.

It wasn't dropped recently?

I have removed the batteries, tried the reset function, and pressed the display button many times. I have not visited the Canon website for firmware updates. Thank you for your help.

If you still have a warranty under it, I'd have them repair it under warranty. But if you bought it when it first came out, you're manufacturer warranty is probably expired. However, check with your credit card company. Many offer extended warranties as a perk for using their card.

Either way, it sounds more and more like it needs repairing.

Thank you. The camera has been checked. The shutter will not open. It is not under warranty at this point. The cost to repair is more than I want to pay, so a new camera will replace the old.

All is not lost, you can list it on eBay as a parts camera and maybe get a few bucks back on it.

When the camera is turned on and I flip out the display, it shut off again. Changed batteries and no help. They with the screen out, I flipped it so I can read it nesting in the back of the camera. It then works. Could there be a fault in the electrical connection going to the screen. I've used it for a 18 months and today is the first time I've had a problem. Am I alone on this one?

That would seem to make sense. I'd send it in and see what Canon says. Since it's out of warranty, they'll give you an estimate for repair.

However, here's an option to check ... if you purchased it with a credit card, you may have extended warranty time as a perk of the credit card you used.