Can this camera truly do portraits with blurred backgrounds? I'd like to see some!!
1248221
If I had a hard copy of a manual I would have advanced in my using the camera. Plus, when I called for assistance I was told there was a problem with download and I had to used an alternate procedure which would not have been in the manual.
1248222
As with most point-and-shoot cameras, the answer is "sort of". For the type of photo you're describing, the "portrait" mode will try to shoot a picture with a large aperture (aka small f#). In the right lighting conditions (i.e. bright, not overwhelming light), you'll get exactly what you described. However, an SLR camera which puts aperture, shutter speed, and ISO under manual control will give you better pictures if lighting is not optimal. You can't control all of these things at the same time on point-n-shoot cameras (that I know of), even under "manual" settings. If you google "canon hs 500 portrait mode", you'll see some image examples.
1248223
As with most point-and-shoot cameras, the answer is "sort of". For the type of photo you're describing, the "portrait" mode will try to shoot a picture with a large aperture (aka small f#). In the right lighting conditions (i.e. bright, not overwhelming light), you'll get exactly what you described. However, an SLR camera which puts aperture, shutter speed, and ISO under manual control will give you better pictures if lighting is not optimal. You can't control all of these things at the same time on point-n-shoot cameras (that I know of), even under "manual" settings. If you google "canon hs 500 portrait mode", you'll see some image examples. As with most point-and-shoot cameras, the answer is "sort of". For the type of photo you're describing, the "portrait" mode will try to shoot a picture with a large aperture (aka small f#). In the right lighting conditions (i.e. bright, not overwhelming light), you'll get exactly what you described. However, an SLR camera which puts aperture, shutter speed, and ISO under manual control will give you better pictures if lighting is not optimal. You can't control all of these things at the same time on point-n-shoot cameras (that I know of), even under "manual"... » Read More As with most point-and-shoot cameras, the answer is "sort of". For the type of photo you're describing, the "portrait" mode will try to shoot a picture with a large aperture (aka small f#). In the right lighting conditions (i.e. bright, not overwhelming light), you'll get exactly what you described. However, an SLR camera which puts aperture, shutter speed, and ISO under manual control will give you better pictures if lighting is not optimal. You can't control all of these things at the same time on point-n-shoot cameras (that I know of), even under "manual" settings. If you google "canon hs 500 portrait mode", you'll see some image examples. « Show Less
1182174
I find it almost impossible to take a picture without it without it coming out blurry. One of it assets is it's high power. That is also it's weakness and what makes the images blurry. It does have a tripod mount and I would think an inexpensive one would be very beneficial.
2120893
Yes, depending on the shutter speed used. Obviously, with a low shutter speed and a shaky hand, you will still get a blurry image.
1936433
You can get within four or five inches of most still subjects and get a good shot. The lighting can sometimes be a challenge indoors. I experiment with flash/no flash to get what I need. :^)
1460147
Yes, I regret buying this camera due to the shutter lag- which ultimately seems to result in blurred photos if the subject is moving. The older canon Powershots like the sx100 did not have this problem.
402926
A little. I have used it handheld and on a tripod and I have noticed that if I am not still the image can come out blurry, but as long as you are still the pictures are great!
1076525
Focus is good, but blurred background is a much more complicated issue involving a clear understanding of the elements of depth of field. Apeture/shutter speed combinations control depth. High shutter speeds will help by givng a larger apeture
959173
Shutter lag isn't really a problem, but I would be concerned about the need for low ISO (200 max) unless you're shooting b&w;, in which case, it is simply a lovely camera.
181829
Simple answer is yes, Make sure you have a decent shutter speed so up the ISO, Image quality is excellent as is the dynamic range, I.E you can pull the shadows in processing without banding or bad grain/noise
2039858
Certainly, as there are Shutter-Priority (S) and Aperture-Priority (A) modes. This is typical of most cameras in this class and allow you to capture some depth-of-field and time-resolved action. The camera of this type is not particularly great at capturing lots of bokeh, there is a lot that it can do!
183805
I have a similar question, I'll just add it here. Is it fast enough, for example, take pictures jumping in the air (without being blurry)? Just so I can have a perspective.
1419738
I would think so. It has a good focus setting and it's a really good quality. I've never really done that specifically but I love the camera so it should be good
1885831
What do you mean by a "movement"? If you mean there seems to be something loose inside the camera, I have not experienced that. If you mean you get a blurry shot of a moving object, I have found that sometimes the focusing mechanism works well and sometimes it does not. I have gotten clear shots of my kid playing tennis and some blurry shots... trial and error.
250135
I'm having this issue, too. Camera seems to get confused and the whole frame becomes blurry rather than focusing on the one object. It takes several attempts to register what I'm trying to do, and then it's too late - opportunity has passed and subject has moved. Time to really study my manual I guess or maybe this is a shortcoming with this camera.
1917690
Like most digital cameras there is a distinct pause between pushing the shutter button and the picture being taken. So you may not get the exact picture you were hoping for. Other than that it works fine for this.
1532925
I had a problem with blurry images, too, so finally checked the owners manual (duh!) It mentions that if you press the shutter too hard, you actually cause the blurriness. I have lightened up my touch, and things have improved. I still love this camera.
486339
I'd be curious to know as well. The 720SW had a fairly slow shutter, and one had to really concentrate to get a non-blurry photo. Unless, you enabled the stabilization, and then the photo got a little grainy... Anybody have feedback on that?