I need help with my Canon S3 IS - Please?

Question

I just got a Canon Powershot S3 IS, it's supposed to take great pictures, but the few snapshots that I've taken are very blurry.
I'm not familiar with all the features yet, it'll take time for me to learn, but I took some pics indoors set on Auto, and then tried Program with a ISO of 200, and 400. I didn't really see a difference in the pictures when I changed the settings, my pictures just were not sharp.

Can anyone help me out here? Most of my pictures are taken indoors, how should I set my camera? Eventually I'll learn more features of the camera, but now, I just want to shoot some nice sharp indoor pictures.

Also, I'll be shooting objects to use for graphics, all indoors, should my setting be different?

Thanks so much for your help.

Answer 1

Here are tips for using this camera to take great shots!!

1) NEVER use it on full auto!!! You just won't get satisfactory images on this camera on auto.

2) Set it on Program (P) mode, and tweak the settings. Press the function button, then set the white balance off of auto to the individual conditions (sunny, cloudy, tungsten, etc.). You might want to set it back to auto when you turn it off, so that you don't accidentally take photo's on a wrong setting for the conditions (i.e. using tungsten setting outside on a cloudy day, oh my ... ).

3) Set Image Stabilization to "shoot only" ... the previews on the LCD screen will be shaky but the images will not be.

4) Set the ISO on 100 and leave it there most of the time ... use 200 for indoors or darker outdoor shots; 400 as needed, 800 ... avoid ... though do experiement with it to see why.

If you need more help, msg me through my 360 page.
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Answer 2

Assuming that your new camera is not defective, I suggest that you look first at the things directly related to focus.

1. Make sure that you are in Autofocus mode, not Manual Focus. Manual keeps it in one spot until it is manually reset. The focus button is easy to hit accidentally.

2. Make sure the Autofocus is set for "Single" not "Continuous". Continuous is good for movies, but keeps focusing still shots even if you are ready.

3. Make sure the focusing frame is set in the Center of the frame. This camera allows you to move it around, but if you think it is in the center and it's not, the focus will be off.

4. Make sure the focus-assist illuminator is On. This helps the camera find the subject indoors.

5. Make sure the Image Stabilization is On, and set to Shoot Only.

6. Make sure you hold the camera very steady when you push the Shutter Button all the way down. Use the Viewfinder and brace the camera against your face. (It's very difficult to hold it steady at arms length while framing through the LCD.)

7. Make sure that you use the technique of pushing the Shutter Button down 1/2 way, then waiting for the camera to focus and set exposure. Then push the button the rest of the way down to take the pic.

If you cannot get sharp results with these things, take it back to the store (or to a experienced photographer friend), and see if they can get better results. If not, there may be a problem with the camera.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Make sure you have the flash up. Unlike most point and shoot cameras, this model requires you to lift up the flash in order to use it. Once your flash is firing, you'll be in better shape. Check my answer to your other question for more details on how to get faster shutter speeds while using the flash.