Optimizing focus
When the camera cannot auto focus, the focus brackets turn red. This indicates the picture may be out of focus because the subject is out of the focus range or the scene has low contrast.
If the camera is set to a shooting mode (see Using the shooting modes on page 15) other than 
Macro and cannot focus, it will still take the picture. Try releasing the Shutter button, reframing, and then pressing the Shutter button halfway down again. If the focus brackets are still red:
●Select a shooting mode more appropriate for the scene you are capturing (see Using the shooting modes on page 15).
●If the scene has low contrast, use Focus Lock (see Using Focus Lock
on page 13) and aim at a point on the subject that has more colors or crisp edges.
●If the subject is too close (less than 500 mm or 20 in), move farther away from the
subject or use 
Macro (see Macro under Using the shooting modes on page 15).
If the camera is set to 
Macro and cannot focus, the camera will not take the picture. Try one of the following:
●Move within the 
Macro range or set the camera to 
Auto (see Auto under Using the shooting modes on page 15).
●In low contrast scenes, use Focus Lock (see Using Focus Lock on page 13).
Using Focus Lock
Use Focus Lock to focus on a subject that is not in the center of the picture, to capture action shots more quickly by
1.Frame the subject for your picture within the focus brackets. In low light or low contrast situations, frame a brighter or higher contrast object.
2.Press the Shutter button halfway down.
3.Hold the Shutter button halfway down and re- frame.
4.Press the Shutter button all the way down to take the picture.
Optimizing exposure
When you press the Shutter button halfway down, the camera also measures the light level to set the proper exposure.
If the camera is set to a shooting mode other than Fast Shot (see Fast Shot under Using the shooting modes on page 15) and determines the scene will require a very long
HP Photosmart M425/M525 Digital Camera | 13 |