Is it me or my camera?

[gonecrazynback]

My Jacksons had babies and I wanted to post pics, but no matter what I do, they come out blurry. Even on the tripod. I think it has to do with the lighting but I can't seem to fix the problem.

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The parents and some of their kids.

 

[gonecrazynback]

It's a Vivitar Vivicam xo29 camera by the way.

 

[blackhawk]

Here are a few considerations when taking pics of chams:

1 - lenses have a minimum focusing distance. I have a camera that uses detachable lenses (I know yours is a point and shoot but...) for close up work I need a close up (AKA macro or micro) lens that allows me to get very close to my subject. For example, I have a 200mm micro lens that will focus down to 10 inches from my subject, compare that to my normal 200mm regular lens that has a minimum focusing distance of just over 6 feet. Though you have a point and shoot, your built-in lens will have a minimum focusing distance as well. Stand too close, your pics will be blurry.

2 - shutter speed. You have to use a shutter speed that is not only fast enough to stop the movement of your subject but also yours. Everyone's hands shake and the bigger the focal length, the more noticeable it becomes. Rule of thumb is that if hand holding you should use a shutter speed equal to or greater than the focal length of your lens. Thus, I'd want a 1/200 second or faster shutter speed if hand holding my 200mm lens. Thats going to require a lot of light. If you zoom in on your chams (disable digital zoom BTW) you'll really have to hold that camera steady to get a clear pic. Make sure your anti-shake is turned on and/or use your flash. If you are using very slow shutter speeds - 1/20th or so - you will get blurry pics even when using a tripod (if anti shake is turned off) because the camera will move as you press the shutter. Your camera records all the settings used so I'd recommend looking at the data and see if you can learn something from it.

3 - back-focus. This is when the camera focuses on the background rather than the intended subject. You'll see this all the time in pics posted on this forum - look for it - it'll make you a more critical photographer. Realize that your camera doesn't know what you are taking a picutre of and will focus on most anything that is of decent size in the middle of the frame, like the screen on the back of your cage or a large leaf. Many times your camera won't be able to find the small chameleon. This is a very common problem so be very critical before hitting the shutter.

Hope this helps

 

[millsamus]

^
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| He's right, Your to close to your subject. Back away and zoom, or find out if your camera has a "macro" or "micro" mode. Your problem could be an easy fix such as what blackhawk listed or just a need for you to read your owners manual on taking close up pictures! Knowledge is your best defense. I'm still learning!! Good luck!

 

[drcrossfire]

do you have a macro mode on your camera?

 

[gonecrazynback]

I didn't get the user manual with the camera but I will look for one online tonight. Thanks all, for the advice!

 

[Bloodhound]

The most common mistake people make is not changing the film speed, (ie ASA or ISO). The camera can be set to take properly exposed images but it has no idea what they are. You need to have your film speed set around 800-1600. Focusing distance could be a problem as well. I would say it is film speed and since there is a date on your pic I am guess this is a point and shoot. Most point and shoots focus with infrared not contrast. I would say them camera is not recognizing what you are shooting, because you are too close and the film speed is to slow. Probably just exceeding the cameras limits and there is not much you can do.

 

[gonecrazynback]

Thanks. A little better.

The group shot came out decent.

The frogs came out good. I think it's in my background or lighting.