Canon S2-IS

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Canon S2-IS

Gail's Canon Powershot S2 IS Blog

Focusing solutions

As indicated in the S2 Focusing Tips section, the general causes of focusing problems include:

  • Photographing low-contrast subjects
  • Overlapping nearby and distant objects
  • Very bright subjects in the center
  • Subjects moving very fast
  • Photographing subjects through glass
  • Taking pictures out of the camera's shooting range
  • Smudges on the front of the lens

What follows are specific focusing issues with the S2 and suggested solutions. Most apply to the S3.

Problem

Possible causes

Solutions

No focus

Shooting at full telephoto mode when standing too close to a subject.

Too dark.

Lack of contrast on subject.

Zoom out (wider angle) in increments until focus lock can be achieved. Move back at least three feet (minimum focus distance).

Lock focus on item with contrast that is same distance as the main subject, then recompose.

Slow focus - camera "hunts"

Zooming too fast when using continuous autofocus.

Low contrast.

Use slow zoom (the S2 has two zoom speeds)

Lock focus on item with contrast that is same distance as the main subject, then recompose.

For faster focus, try holding the camera vertically.

Side focus - When focusing on the center of a subject with the lens fully zoomed to 12X, the subject is out of focus but items to it's side are in focus.

The camera focuses on "something" at it's minimum focus distance when you press the shutter button.

If photographing a very small subject and the area behind it is busy, the camera has nothing specific to focus on.

Zoom out; change your photo-taking angle. Prefocus on something of equal distance, then recompose; turn on continual auto focus. Focus manually.

Back focus - main subject focused on is out of focus but the background is in focus.

Varies according to subject and shooting conditions.

Prefocus on something of equal distance then recompose. Change the orientation of the camera to vertical. Focus manually.

Can't focus on translucent object, such as a dragonfly with large wings.

Camera may focus on an object behind the translucent subject. If using Continuous
AutoFocus, the transparent object may cause the camera to change focus.

Shut off Continuous AutoFocus and use Single area focus; focus manually.

Other suggested fixes when camera doesn't focus

Turn the S2 vertically and depress the shutter-button halfway to get the focus lock; turn camera back horizontally, recompose and take the shot.

Turn the camera off then on again.

Notes: when prefocusing, you may have to first lock exposure using AE Lock (manual page #103). More info about Focus and Exposure Lock.

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