Images are blurry or not in focus
20-Sep-2011
8201094400
Solution
When an image is blurry or cannot be brought into focus during shooting, please check the following.
IMPORTANT
The position and shape of the operation buttons, screens displayed, and setting items may differ according to the model you use.
REFERENCE
If you are using the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS / IXUS 1100 HS, you can use the [Touch Shutter] function to take shots. Please see the following information for details.
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>.
REFERENCE
Depending on the shooting conditions, image blurring when using the [Touch Shutter] function may occur. Be sure to hold the camera firmly when shooting.
When you press the <Shutter Button> halfway in low light conditions where camera shake is likely, a flashing (
) will appear.
) will appear.Follow the instructions below and be careful not to shake the camera.
- Set the [IS mode] to [Continuous].
If using the PowerShot ELPH 500 HS or IXUS 310 HS:
Touch [FUNC.] (
) > [MENU] (
) > [Shooting] tab (
), and then select [Continuous] for the [IS Mode].
) > [MENU] () > [Shooting] tab (), and then select [Continuous] for the [IS Mode].
NOTE
When the [Shooting mode] is in <AUTO> (
) mode, the [IS mode] will automatically be set to [Continuous].
) mode, the [IS mode] will automatically be set to [Continuous].If using the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS or IXUS 1100 HS:
Touch [FUNC.] () > [MENU] () > [Shooting] tab () > [IS Settings], and then select [Continuous] for the [IS Mode].
) > [MENU] () > [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> (), [Handheld NightScene] (
), [Creative Light Effect] * (
)
), [Handheld NightScene] (), [Creative Light Effect] * () * Depending on the model you are using, it might not have this shooting mode.
).
) , and then set the flash to [On] (
- Increase the [ISO speed].
Touch [FUNC.] () to choose [ISO speed] (if the settings have never been changed, [Auto] (
) will appear), and then the menu up or down to choose the [ISO speed] you want to set.
) to choose [ISO speed] (if the settings have never been changed, [Auto] () will appear), and then the menu up or down to choose the [ISO speed] you want to set. 
- Attach the camera to a tripod.
Additionally, you should set the [IS Mode] to [Off] when shooting with a tripod.
- 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.
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].
Touch [FUNC.] () > [MENU] () > [Shooting] tab (), and then select [On] for [AF-assist Beam].
) > [MENU] () > [Shooting] tab (), and then select [On] for [AF-assist Beam].
- Confirm that functions which you do not intend to use (macro, etc.) are not set.
Touch [FUNC.] () to choose [Focusing Range] (if the settings have never been changed, [Normal] (
) will appear), and then the menu up or down to choose the [Focusing Range] that is best suited to your usage environment.
) to choose [Focusing Range] (if the settings have never been changed, [Normal] () will appear), and then the menu up or down to choose the [Focusing Range] that is best suited to your usage environment. 
- 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> half-pressed and touch the center of the screen.
The focus is fixed and (
) appears.
) appears.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.
... The ISO speed can be set.
... The camera does not have this shooting mode.| Focusing zone | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  ) ) | |
IXUS 310 HS | | | | | | [Macro] Macro 3 – 50 cm (W) (1.2 in. – 1.6 ft. (W)) |
IXUS 1100 HS | | | | | | [Macro] 1 – 50 cm (W) (0.4 in. – 1.6 ft. (W)) |
* (W): When turning the toward (
) to the maximum wide angle side (Max. wide angle).
) to the maximum wide angle side (Max. wide angle).** (T): When turning the toward (
) to the maximum telephoto side (Max. telephoto).
) to the maximum telephoto side (Max. telephoto).