New S5IS has stopped working -- no image in viewfinders in shooting mode!

All of a sudden tonight my S5IS stopped working. I figure the problem is either very serious or very easy to solve, but I don't know which.

Whenever I turn the camera on the orange pilot light glows. However, when I open the LCD viewfinder it is completely dark, although it does light up whenever I press the MENU, FUNC., & DISP. buttons. Likewise the optical viewfinder is dark except for the white setting indicators, all of which are lit as they should be. In other words, in the shooting mode I don't see an image through either viewfinder. The shutter button works, but, of course, I don't get any picture.

Whenever I switch from shooting to playback, I am able to view through both viewfinders photos which were taken prior to the onset of the problem. However, when I switch back to the shooting mode, as I noted before, the both viewfinders remain completely dark except for the lit settings indicators.

The big problem is that now I am unable to take pictures! What could possibly be causing this problem? I've had the camera only two weeks and had no problems until tonight. I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who can solve my problem.

Thank you.

"The shutter button works, but, of course, I don't get any picture." Do you mean that if you press the shutter button, the resultant image is black, or that there isn't any image at all being recorded?

Actually, in either case, it sounds like the camera needs to go back for repair/replacement. If you're still within the exchange period where you bought it, I'd suggest just taking it back; otherwise, call Canon's support number and they'll give you directions about where to send it for repair.

Thank you for your response.

It seems obvious that a totally black image is being recorded. I just pressed the shutter button six times, and in playback I had to press the reverse button seven times to view a picture taken yesterday.

I purchased the camera from my local Circuit City only 18 days ago. I'll call the store shortly to find out if I'll be able to exchange it for another of the same. The Circuit City website indicates that it's in stock. In order to get a discount, I purchased the camera on-line and designated my local store for pick-up. Since that took place less than three weeks ago, I'm hoping they'll be able to make an easy exchange.

Thanks again.

I called Canon today and the technician had me reset all the settings to default. When that didn't help, he told me I had a serious issue with the camera and that I should try to return it to Circuit City or send it to Canon for repair.

Tonight I went to Circuit City and had no problem getting an even exchange, even though it was two days beyond the 14-day return period. Also, perhaps against my better judgment, I paid $109 for their two-year Advantage Protection Plan.

COOL!