Chapter 2

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 you are recording a video or taking a picture with a shooting mode (see “Using the shooting modes” on page 15) other than Close-upand 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:

For pictures and video clips: If the scene has low contrast, use Focus Lock (see

“Using Focus Lock” on page 12) and aim at a point on the subject that has more colors or crisp edges.

For pictures only:

•Select a shooting mode more appropriate for the scene you are capturing (see “Using the shooting modes” on page 15).

•If the subject is too close (less than 500 mm or 19.7 in), move farther away from the

subject or use Close-up(see Close-upunder “Using the shooting modes” on page 15).

If the camera is set to Close-upand cannot focus, the camera will not take the picture. Try one of the following:

•Move within the Close-uprange (100 mm to 1 m or 3.94 to 39.4 in) 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 12).

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 pre-focusing in the area where the action will occur, or to focus in low light or low contrast situations.

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.

12 Taking pictures and recording video clips