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Camera shake
If your digital camera makes even a slight movement when you take a picture, the chance of blurred photo increases. This is caused by camera shake.
One of the most common causes of camera shake, particularly for new digital camera users, is not using the shutter-release button correctly. It must be pressed down two steps: first to lock focus and exposure; second to take the photo.
The second most common cause of camera shake happens in low-light when the aperture is wide-open and shutter speed is slow, or when using a long telephoto lens. The best way to prevent camera shake in these conditions is to use a tripod or other flat, level support. When using a tripod, use a remote or the self-timer to trigger the shutter button.
If you don't have a tripod, hold the camera with both hands and steady it by leaning and bracing yourself against a wall, tree or pole, car roof, anything. You can also hold your camera in both hands and brace your elbows against your body.
Another way to help minimize camera shake is to use the viewfinder instead of the LCD when composing shots. Bracing the camera against your face helps steady it.
Digital cameras are more prone to camera shake when taking hand-held shots and zooming in on a subject. To help prevent blur, shutter speed should be set faster than the focal length. For example, a lens set at 200mm (35mm equivalent) requires a shutter speed of at least 1/200 second.
Some cameras use image stabilization to reduce camera shake.