Canon Powershot S3 IS focusing problem?

Question

I recently bought a S3 IS, and I've been having trouble with image stabilization. Generally what happens is the picture will show to be in focus, but when I take it, it quickly unfocuses and comes out blurry, or it just won't focus at all. I mainly have a problem with this when I use it outdoors and close up. I've played around with the settings, I use the flash, and I don't have shaky hands, but so far nothing's worked.
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated, because I need the camera to work for my photography class!

Answer 1

As the others have said, it can have difficulties focusing when you are close to your subject. There can also be focus difficulties when there isn't much contrast in the colors of the area being photographed. It is difficult for the camera to isolate a particular object to focus on.

Answer 2

I even have been working the S2 IS for extra that a year with hundreds of pictures and multiple hours of intense high quality video. I run in simple terms the utmost determination and function a 2GB card with a 512MB backup. I even have had no problems for that reason a techniques. i like this digital camera, yet as issues progression i'm thinking the S3 IS. No determination made yet. No experience with the S1 IS however the S2 IS is rather well worth the funds, extraordinarily for $223. you is truthfully no longer upset.

Answer 3

Make sure that you are in "continuous" image stabilization instead of just "shoot only" mode. I read somewhere that this can make a difference. See if it is appropriate for you to be using the "panning" mode and make sure that you have selected or deselected it as needed or if you aer in the "panning" mode, be sure that the camera is oriented horizontally.

See page 44 and 45 of your advanced manual.

Answer 4

Perhaps you are just too close to your subject. Most lenses/cameras have a minimum focusing distance which should be stated in your Owner's Manual for the camera.