Images are blurry or not in focus

Last Updated : 20-Sep-2011
Issue Number : 8201271900

Solution

IMPORTANT

The position and shape of the operation buttons, screens displayed, and setting items may differ according to the model you use.

When an image is blurry or cannot be brought into focus during shooting, please check the following.

1. Holding the Camera

You can prevent camera shake by holding the camera firmly.

Keep your arms tight against your body while holding the camera firmly by the sides. Be sure that your fingers do not block the <flash>.

2. When the Camera Shake Icon Appears

When you press the <Shutter Button> halfway in low light conditions where camera shake is likely, a flashing (

) will appear.

Set the [IS mode] to [Continuous].

Press <

> button > [Shooting] tab (

) > [IS Settings], and then select [Continuous] for the [IS Mode].

NOTE

In the following shooting modes, [IS Mode] is set to [Continuous].

- <AUTO> (

), [Easy mode]* (

), [Handheld NightScene]* (

)

* Depending on the model you are using, it might not have this shooting mode.

Set the flash to [On] ()

If using the PowerShot SX40 HS or PowerShot SX150 IS:

After raising the flash and pressing the <flash> button (

), press the right <directional button> a few times to set to [On] (

).

If using the PowerShot S100, PowerShot ELPH 310 HS, or IXUS 230 HS:

Press the <flash> button (to the right of the <directional button>) several times to set to [On] (

).

Increase the [ISO speed].

If using the PowerShot SX40 HS or PowerShot SX150 IS:

Press the <

> button repeatedly to display the [ISO speed] you want to set.

If using the PowerShot S100, PowerShot ELPH 310 HS, or IXUS 230 HS:

Operate the <FUNC./SET> button (

) and <directional button> to set the desired [ISO speed].

For details on the setting screen that appears on your camera or the [Shooting Modes] in which the [ISO Speed] can be set, see the table at the end of the page.

Attach the camera to a tripod.

Additionally, you should set the [IS Mode] to [Off] when shooting with a tripod.

3. Image is blurred

Press the <Shutter Button> halfway to focus on the subject, then press fully to shoot.

Half-press the <Shutter Button> (press lightly to focus), and then press it fully (without releasing the <Shutter Button>, press it all the way down).

Shoot the subject within the focusing distance.

For details on the shooting distances for the [Focusing Range] of your camera, please see the table at the end of the page.

Set the [AF-assist Beam] to [On].

Press the <

> button, select the [Shooting] tab (

), and then set the [AF-assist Beam] to [On].

Confirm that functions which you do not intend to use (macro, etc.) are not set.

Press the <Macro> button (

) several times to select a suitable [Focusing Range].

Shoot using the focus lock or AF lock

- Focus Lock

Change the composition while holding the <Shutter Button> down halfway.

- AF Lock

Keep the <Shutter Button> pressed halfway and press the left <directional button>.

The focus locks, and (

) and [MF indicator] appear on the screen. (On the PowerShot ELPH 310 HS and IXUS 230 HS, (

) appears.)

4. The AF frame does not appear, and the camera does not focus

If you center on the light and dark contrasting area of the subject and push the <Shutter Button> halfway, or repeatedly push the <Shutter Button> halfway, the [AF frame] will appear and the camera will focus.

NOTE

The camera may not be able to focus in some conditions.

5. Information on different models

^{... The ISO speed can be set.}

^{... The camera does not have this shooting mode.}

Model	Shooting modes in which the ISO speed setting can be made Back to the top					Focusing zone Back to the top
Model						^{Figures in the upper line: [Normal] ()} ^{Figures in the bottom line : [Macro] ()}
PowerShot S100						[Normal] 3 cm (1.2 in.) – infinity (W), 30 cm (12 in.) – infinity (T)* [Macro] 3 – 50 cm (1.2 in. – 1.6 ft.) (W), 30 – 50 cm (12 in. – 1.6 ft.) (T)
PowerShot SX40 HS						[Normal] 0 cm (0 in.) – infinity (W), 1.4 m (4.6 ft.) – infinity (T) [Macro] 0 – 50 cm (W) (0 in. – 1.6 ft. (W))
PowerShot SX150 IS						[Normal] 1 cm (0.4 in.) – infinity (W)*, 1 m (3.3 ft.) – infinity (T) [Macro] 1 – 50 cm (W) (0.4 in. – 1.6 ft. (W))
PowerShot ELPH 310 HS IXUS 230 HS						[Normal] 1 cm (0.4 in.) – infinity (W), 1 m (3.3 ft.) – infinity (T) [Macro] 1 – 50 cm (W) (0.4 in. – 1.6 ft. (W))