Help with blurry photography...?

I have a Canon Powershot A610. When I take photos with the flash, the photos are clear. When I don't want to use the flash, the pictures are slightly blurry. Help?

It all has to do with the shutter speed.

Is this your first camera?

The exposure of the sensor is determined by three things. The sensitivity of the camera's sensor (ISO), how large the hole in the in the lens is (aperture) and how long the shutter is open (shutter speed) and if you are using a viewfinder or the LCD. (if the viewfinder, then your camera will be steady because you are holding the camera to your face and held by both hands ... if using the LCD at "arms length" then there will be a lot of camera movement.


The amount of blur is determined by a couple of things. How fast the shutter speed is (if faster than 1/125th second the chances are there will be no camera movement) and if you are using flash in low light situations

Without the flash, the camera doesn't get significant focus when snapping the shot. In order to get a clear shot, the flash needs to be used. If you don't want to use the flash, try either turning on some lights or holding the camera extra still.

You need to have some sort of stable surface.

It's blurry because the shutter needs to be open long enough to get enough light in the photo, so it won't be too dark... the problem with that is that any movement will make your images blurry.

If possible, try setting you camera on something, or stabilize yourself against something to reduce your hand movements... although that won't help at all if your subject is moving :)

I don't know if your camera has image stabilization or not... but that's often a mixed bag in trading focused pictures for reduced quality.

not enough light on your subject(s)...use more light. Use a tripod, and there can be no subject movement.

The primary cause for blurry pictures in low light is the camera has to expose the ccd for a longer period of time to capture enough light. When open for longer, any motion from you or your subject will cause blur.

There are 3 solutions for blur caused by this...
1) Hold the camera steadier (ok for non-moving subjects) using a monopod, tripod, or object near you like a desk, lamp post, etc.

2) Get your subject to stand still longer (assuming your subject can do this).

3) Get more light into the camera quicker (using a flash, or better camera lens) so the shutter speed will be quicker (at least 1/60 of a sec and 1/250 sec or quicker for faster moving objects). Using a flash is one obvious way to get more light into the camera. Getting a better lens can also help with this but you will need to upgrade your camera and should consider a dslr's if you elect to do this.

Another possible cause for the blur is your camera is having difficulty focusing in low light. This is because your camera effectively see's lines and focuses by making those as clear as possible. Without enough light, it cannot focus on the lines it sees very well. Possible solution is to make sure if your camera has a focus assist light you've set it to turn on when focusing (will be a menu setting if it's there) or use a flashlight to help the camera pre-focus then turn it off and press the shutter button the rest of the way to take the shot.

This second method is a lot more difficult and almost impossible with moving subjects.

HTH

increase your shutter speed

Blur is caused by subject movement and camera shake.

Set the shutter speed to 1/125 sec. or faster -- look in the User Manual to see how to do this.

Make sure the ISO is turned up as well. That's also in the Manual.

The camera may also have trouble focusing in low light. If it has a focus assist lamp make sure it's turned on.

HTH
V2K1

I would make sure that your camera is in the right mode/setting. Like is you are shooting something close-up make sure you use macro mode(usually the logo is a little flower)

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