Images are blurry or not in focus

IMPORTANT

When an image is blurry or cannot be brought into focus during shooting, please check the following.

1. Holding the Camera

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⋗.

2. When the Camera Shake Icon Appears

When you press the ⋖Shutter Button⋗ halfway in low light conditions where camera shake is likely, a flashing () will appear.

Press ⋖⋗ button ⋗ [Shooting] tab () ⋗ [IS Settings], and then select [Continuous] for the [IS Mode].

^{*1 The PowerShot A4000 IS, A3400 IS, A2400 IS is the only model in which the [IS Mode] is set to [Continuous] when in ().
*2 Depending on the model you are using, it might not have this shooting mode.}

NOTE

Set the flash to [On] ()

If using the PowerShot G1 X:

Move the ⋖Pop up flash⋗ switch () to raise the flash.

After pressing the ⋖Flash⋗ button, press () a few times to select the [On] () setting.

If using the PowerShot SX260 HS, SX240 HS, A4000 IS, A3400 IS, A2400 IS, D20 / PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 110 HS / IXUS 500 HS, 125 HS:

Press () a few times to select the [Flash on] () setting.

If using the PowerShot G1 X:

Press the ⋖⋗ button repeatedly to display the [ISO speed] you want to set.

If using the PowerShot SX260 HS, SX240 HS, D20 / PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 110 HS / IXUS 500 HS, 125 HS:

Operate the ⋖FUNC./SET⋗ button () and ⋖directional button⋗ to set the desired [ISO speed].

If using the PowerShot A4000 IS, A3400 IS, A2400 IS :

Operate the ⋖FUNC./SET⋗ button () and ⋖directional button⋗ to set the desired [ISO speed].

For details on the setting screen that appears on your camera or the [Shooting Modes] in which the [ISO Speed] can be set, see the table at the end of the page.

Additionally, you should set the [IS Mode] to [Off] when shooting with a tripod.

3. Image is blurred

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).

For details on the shooting distances for the [Focusing Range] of your camera, please see the table at the end of the page.

Press the ⋖⋗ button, select the [Shooting] tab (), and then set the [AF-assist Beam] to [On].

Press the ⋖Macro⋗ button () several times to select a suitable [Focusing Range].

- Focus Lock

Change the composition while holding the ⋖Shutter Button⋗ down halfway.

- AF Lock

With the ⋖Shutter button⋗ half-pressed, press ().

The focus locks, and () and [MF indicator] appear on the screen. (On the PowerShot A4000 IS, A3400 IS, A2400 IS, D20 / PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, 110 HS / IXUS 500 HS, 125 HS () appears.)

4. The AF frame does not appear, and the camera does not focus

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

5. Information on different models

^{... The ISO speed can be set.}

^{... The camera does not have this shooting mode.}

Model	Shooting modes in which the ISO speed setting can be made Back to the top
	PowerShot G1 X
							PowerShot SX260 HS
IXY 3
							IXY 220F
PowerShot A4000 IS PowerShot A3400 IS PowerShot A2400 IS
PowerShot D20

Model	Focusing zone Back to the top
		Figures in the upper line: [Normal] : Figures in the bottom line:
	PowerShot G1 X		[Normal] 40 cm (1.3 ft.) – infinity (W)* / 1.3 m (4.3 ft.) – infinity (T)** [Macro] 20 cm (7.9 in.) – 70 cm (2.3 ft.) (W) / 85 cm – 1.6 m (2.8 - 5.2 ft.) (T)
		PowerShot SX260 HS		[Normal] 5 cm (2.0 in.) – infinity (W) / 1 m (3.3 ft.) – infinity (T) [Macro] 5 – 50 cm (2.0 in. – 1.6 ft.) (W)
IXY 3	[Normal] 5 cm (2.0 in.) – infinity (W) / 1 m (3.3 ft.) – infinity (T) [Macro] 1 – 50 cm (0.4 in. – 1.6 ft.) (W)
		IXY 220F	[Normal] 5 cm (2.0 in.) – infinity (W) / 90 cm (3.0 ft.) – infinity (T) [Macro] 3 – 50 cm (1.2 in. – 1.6 ft.) (W)
PowerShot A4000 IS PowerShot A3400 IS PowerShot A2400 IS	[Normal] 5 cm (2.0 in.) – infinity (W) / 1.2 m (3.9 ft.) – infinity (T) [Macro] 3 – 60 cm (1.2 in. – 2.0 ft.) (W)
PowerShot D20	[Normal] 5 cm (2.0 in.) – infinity (W) / 1 m (3.3 ft.) – infinity (T) [Macro] 1 - 50cm (0.4 in. – 1.6 ft.)(W)***

* (W): When turning the toward () to the maximum wide angle side (Max. wide angle).
** (T): When turning the toward () to the maximum telephoto side (Max. telephoto).
*** Approximately 1.3x for underwater shots.