WHY are all my pics out of focus??

[Queens59]

Using a Casio Exilim 5.0 mega pixel, 3x zoom camera yesterday - every photo (on macro and off) were blurry, fuzzy and useless.

Any advice as to why, how to put it right...or a better (budget) camera? I can't afford much - but want good bee photos every time and not by accident!!

Thanks...

 

[VEG]

Maybe hold the camera slightly further away to get the correct focus.
It is a problem with some auto focus cameras.

 

[Ruary]

I would have thought camera shake but the exif data states 1/160 sec which should prevent it.
Camera too close for focus, did you get a 'green light' on the focus?
Try using flash to prevent camera shake.

 

[Russel]

The blur maybe because you are closer to the subject than the minimum foscasing distance of the camera, as per Veg, or a bit of camera shake ! Check the exif of the images for shutter speeds & apertures. In macro the slightest movement is magnified several fold.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I think you are closer than the minimum focus distance. Try a few experimental shots on something else and see just how far away you have to be.....or look at the manual,I guess

Which model is it?
The EX-Z60 for example has a minimum focus distance of 10cm

 

[Queens59]

I think you are closer than the minimum focus distance. Try a few experimental shots on something else and see just how far away you have to be.....or look at the manual,I guess

Which model is it?
The EX-Z60 for example has a minimum focus distance of 10cm

It is an EX Z55 ( a gift from FinL so that he can upgrade)...being in a bee suit means I can't use it properly as my vision isn't good enough through the veil & some look in focus in the window but are blurry when downloaded...I shall try some test shots as suggested...

 

[Erichalfbee]

6 to 50 cm then.
Just get used to what that distance feels like;put your bee suit on and point and shoot at something inanimate.

 

[Queens59]

My husband??

 

[Erichalfbee]

love it

 

[Drew]

My husband??

It was probably his estimate of 7" that caused your poor focusing in the first place!!

 

[Queens59]

Oh, I didn't realise you'd met?!

 

[BeeJayBee]

I've got software that shows the EXIF Data. There's nothing personal on it, so I hope you don't mind me copy/pasting it.

This is the data for your first picture :

Camera Maker: CASIO COMPUTER CO.,LTD
Camera Model: EX-Z55
Image Date: 2004-01-10 06:14:24 (no TZ)
Focal Length: 5.8mm (35mm equivalent: 35mm)
Aperture: f/2.6
Exposure Time: 0.0063 s (1/160)
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: Landscape Mode
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No (enforced)
Orientation: Normal
Color Space: sRGB
GPS Coordinate: undefined, undefined
Software: 1.00

You've got the camera set to Landscape, when you're taking a macro (close-up) picture. Check the menu, change the exposure setting to either 'program' (which give you more control than using 'auto') or to 'macro', and try again. Use the flash if there's a lot of shade. Practice to find out how close you can get to the subject.

Steve's digicams has a review http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/casio/ex-z55/casio-ex-z55-review-2.html and this picture.

If you copy his settings you should get a similar result. You might need to refer to the manual, but if you haven't got it the review tells you what to do with which button.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/ex-z55/samples/cimg0137.jpg EXIF is similar to yours
Camera Maker: CASIO COMPUTER CO.,LTD
Camera Model: EX-Z55
Image Date: 2004-09-29 13:24:34 (no TZ)
Focal Length: 5.8mm (35mm equivalent: 35mm)
Aperture: f/2.6
Exposure Time: 0.017 s (1/60)
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: program (Auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: Yes (Auto, return light detected)
Orientation: Normal
Color Space: sRGB
GPS Coordinate: undefined, undefined
Software: 1.00

Hope that helps

 

[Queens59]

Thanks Beejoyful - I didn't know I had a choice of settings -WOW, great fun...I wonder where they are?? Dad knows I am a technoidiot, so I am amazed he gave me something that needed a techie brain...I will go press buttons...

Should anyone hear of an explosion in East Devon - DON'T PANIC...I'll have pressed the wrong button!!

HOW DO I SET PROGRAMME AUTO?????? Not an option in any menu?????

 

[enrico]

If you have the macro on then don't use the zoom. Sometimes it can't cope. Switch the macro on and then on no zoom get the camera as close as possible. You should be able to get within six inches or so....no jokes!
E

 

[Queens59]

I'll let you know when I can do next inspection...somewhere around 22nd...Thanks for the idiot advice....meaning I am the idiot...not those advising