If your digital camera makes even a slight movement when taking a picture, the chance of blurred photo increases. This is caused by camera shake.

One of the most common causes of camera shake is failure to use the shutter-release button correctly. It is a two step process: first lock focus and exposure by pressing the shutter button halfway. When focus is locked, press the shutter down fully.

The second most common cause of camera shake happens in low-light when the aperture is wide-open and shutter speed is slow. 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 without touching the camera.

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. Or brace your elbows against your body while holding the camera firmly.

Another way to minimize camera shake is to use the viewfinder instead of the LCD when composing shots. Bracing the camera against your face helps steady the camera.

Camera shake and telephoto shots

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.

If your camera has Image Stabilization, turning it on can help reduce camera shake.