Focusing on a subject successfully

When you press the shutter button halfway down, the camera adjusts the focus automatically (Auto Focus). Remember to press the shutter button only halfway down.

Do not fully press the shutter button straight away.

Press the shutter button halfway down.

AE/A lock indicator (http://www.sonydigital-link.com/images/dime/using/autofocus/AE_Icon.gif) flashing -> lit/beeps

Then press the shutter button fully down.

When you try to shoot a subject that is difficult to focus on, the AE/AF lock indicator changes to flashing slowly. In addition, the AE locked beep does not sound.

The Auto Focus function may have difficulty working under the following conditions. In such cases, release the shutter button, then recompose the shot and focus again.

  • The subject is distant from the camera and dark.
  • The contrast between the subject and its background is poor.
  • The subject is seen through glass, such as a window.
  • A fast-moving subject.
  • The subject reflects or has a lustrous finish, such as a mirror or a luminous body.
  • A flashing subject.
  • A backlit subject.

Changing the focus method
You can change the focus method. Use the menu when it is difficult to get the proper focus in auto focus mode.

Hints for preventing blur

The camera moved accidentally when you took the image. This is called “Camera shake.” On the other hand, if the subject moved when you took the image, it is called “subject blur.”

Camera shake

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after shake

 

Cause

Your hands or body shake while you hold the camera and press the shutter button, and the entire screen is blurred.

What you can do to reduce the blurring

  • Use a tripod or place the camera on a flat surface to hold the camera steady.

Subject blur

before move

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after move

 

Cause

Even though the camera is steady, the subject moves during the exposure so the subject looks blurred when the shutter button is pressed.

What you can do to reduce the blurring

Notes

  • Camera shake and subject blur occur frequently under low-light or slow shutter speed conditions, such as those encountered in http://www.sonydigital-link.com/images/dime/using/icons/twilight_small.gif(Twilight) mode or http://www.sonydigital-link.com/images/dime/using/icons/twilight_portrait_small.gif(Twilight Portrait) mode. In that case, shoot with the above tips in mind.

Basic techniques for better images

Last Updated 22 May 2008