as i mentioned before i'm currently using an olympus c-50 zoom. lately i've been having problems with the camera shutting down randomly. it has a sliding lens cover, and when the cover is in the open position it doesn't keep the camera on, instead it shuts the camera down.
a quick search of the internet before making a visit to the local camera shop, and there was the answer, its a micro switch! the groves behind the cover which activates the switch must be worn and so don't keep the camera in its operational mode. the solution? well in my case it was to remove the lens cover totally and operate the micro switch by hand, or finger nail. all i need now is some sort of soft case to carry it in so the lens doesn't get damaged. i love this camera, and it has served me well, but reading through the forums it seems to be a fairly common problem. hopefully all will be well from now on, although it would have been a good excuse to buy a brand new camera.