system error (zoom) in picture taking mode

This is usually because the lens area has been contaminated by dust, sand, etc. The extension of the lens has either been stopped or stuck on a grain of dirt. The damage can be sometimes be repaired by cleaning the camera lens area. However, if the motor that controls the zoom extension has had to work hard enough, it may have melted one or both of the lines to the motor. The first situation is determined more because the zoom will partial extend or has become stuck partially extended. The second situation is usually when the lens extension has stopped working altogether. There are Youtube videos available to fix either of these situations. Neither is expensive or complicated, but they do take some confidence.