Comments on: Digital camera focus tips

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:20:01 +0000

Thank you very much for your help and quick response.

By: Gail Bjork

Gail Bjork — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:08:38 +0000

Stephanie, without more information (eg. focus mode, aperture setting, lens and focal length used), it’s difficult to offer suggestions. Make sure you’re using what’s known as the “sweet spot” for you lens, a range of aperture sizes that produces the sharpest images. This varies from lens to lens, but the sweet spot is typically found in the middle of the aperture range.

Related reading: Tips for taking group photos

By: Gail Bjork

Gail Bjork — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:54:12 +0000

Stephanie, try using Shutter Priority mode to set the speed you need. If you're photographing moving children, the shutter speed is often more important than the aperture setting. You can also increase the camera sensitivity (ISO) to increase or decrease the aperture and shutter speed settings. Experiment a bit. You may find this shutter speed chart helpful.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:19:05 +0000

I am not sure if I am not that knowledgable with my camera, but I’ve tried F11, but then my shutter doesn’t go down quick enough. And if I am trying to take a picture of kids, I would like to use a fast shutter speed and then can’t choose my aperature.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:17:16 +0000

Hi, my problem with focusing is if I am trying to take a picture of more than 2 people, I can’t get everyone in focus. Any suggestions? I have a Nikon D7000. Thank you!

By: Gail Bjork

Gail Bjork — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:44:38 +0000

Try resetting the camera. Make sure the focus assist lamp is on if it’s available on your model. If these don’t help, call Canon tech support.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:43:21 +0000

I have a canon powershot a70 that will not focus. No matter which setting i have it on.

By: Gail Bjork

Gail Bjork — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:00:08 +0000

Steve, unfortunately, you haven't provided enough information such as what type of digital camera you're using, what focus mode (auto or manual; single area or multi area focus), what focal length and aperture. What you're probably experiencing is a shallow depth of field issue. You should try using a smaller aperture. Besides a smaller aperture, the following increases depth of field, where a greater part of a subject is in sharp focus: shorter (wider) focal lengths; step back further from the subject.These articles on Close Up Photography and Depth of Field will provide you with additional information.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:13:27 +0000

I have tried the autolock multiple times to no avail when the object I want to focus on is vegetation. For instance, at the foot of my driveway there is a small cap to a water pip that is ringed with weathered steel and overgrown with very flat chickweed. The composition, color, and texture make for a very interesting image, but the focus on the small leaves of chickweed is blurred no matter what I try. I would say it was the camera, except that with inanimate objects (weave of fabric, wood grain, sponge surface) I get very clear focus. This is a problem in all my shots involving vegetation.

By: Gail Bjork

Gail Bjork — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:33:48 +0000

Glad you find the information helpful. Thanks for your good suggestion. I'll be adding a link in the article to a page that has more information about Autofocus problems and solutions.