i'm hoping someone here can help me so i dont need to take my camera to a shop to be looked at. I have a PowerShot SX 20IS and just lately my LCD screen goes blank and i can only see through the view finder. i tried replacing the batteries and that helped for a little bit but now it is flipping between LCD screen and view finder again!! I just put in new batteries 2 days ago! Does anyone know why this might be happening and anything i can do to fix it? Thanks so much!

Just guessing here but who knows I could guess right.

1. If you have the optional Compact Power Adapter CA-PS700 try pluging that in and see if the problem remains. If it does that would eliminate a problem with the batteries or batteries connection since the adapter has nothing to do with the battery operation.

2. I once had a Sony that besides using the regular battery there was also a watch battery compartment. I never had to replace that but give a look around to see if there is a small compartment. I didn't see anything in the specs about an axillary battery but who knows.

3. Be brave and open the camera up. There is nothing to break and you might find a loose wire or some dust on a connection. I did once.after I took it in and they said there was a $25.00 service charge whether they fixed it or not.

4. Look at the battery compartment and see if there is any corrosion on the terminals. If so a little emery board action should clean that out.

Thanks for the tips! I don't have an external charger and can't find a watch battery compartment... I will try cleaning the battery compartment in case of dust and maybe talk my husband into opening it up to look for frayed wires he is much better with electronics than me.. Plus if it breaks I can blame it on him hahah thanks for trying to help I really appreciate it!

Ive had the same problem with my Olympus E-30. Cost me $75 just to have shop open it up!! $250 later it still happens after prolonged use...im gonna try the battery cleaning idea tomorrow! it does fix it self when I plug the transfer cord in...

Just some wild guesses, not to insult your intelligence but just in case there is something you didn't think about:
1) Is it possible that you're squeezing the Disp button without realising it?
2)Is it possible that "Power saving" mode kicks in after an unreasonably short time? Should be adjustable in settings.
3) Does the camera have a sensor that shuts off the screen if it thinks you've put the camera to your eye? And is it possible you put your thumb over it or it's been messed up?
3) Check if your camera has a firmware update available which you could install and see if the problem has been fixed?

haha no insult taken.. im not very good with electronics i will check these points and see if it helps.. Thanks everyone for the helpful tips!