Question about S400/IXUS 400

[PaulW]

I just bought the S400.

When i press the shutter half-way to focus in the point and shoot mode, there are little rectangles/frames. Are these supposesd to appear, what are they used for and how can i best utilize it.

Couldn't find the explanation in the manual and am just a very amateur on photography.

Thanks in advance for the help and response.

[AndreyD]

PaulW wrote:
I just bought the S400.

When i press the shutter half-way to focus in the point and shoot mode, there are little rectangles/frames. Are these supposesd to appear, what are they used for and how can i best utilize it.

Couldn't find the explanation in the manual and am just a very amateur on photography.

Thanks in advance for the help and response.


Have to find it in manual, read in carefully, especiall if you regard yourself as an novice in digital fotography, first - spend several days with manual at hands.
These sqares are almost the main subject you have to study in your camera.
From manual:
Sets the AiAF* to on (the camera automatically selects the AF frame when taking a picture) or off (AF frame is set to the center frame).
Auto (on)
The camera detects the subject and highlights the AF frames, from 9 available points, that it will use to determine the focus.
Off (Center)
The camera focuses using the center AF frame. This is convenient for focusing on a specific part of a subject with greater certainty.

The center AF frame mode is used when the digital zoom is activated.
* This camera employs AiAF (artificial intelligence autofocus) technology which uses a broad metering field to calculate the focal distance with high precision. It delivers a crisp focus even when the photographic subject is slightly off-center.
http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/IXUS400/ELIX400_1301-e.html