A520 Focus Problem

[shoezeeq]

I just purchased my A520 to take photos of still life setups to oil paint and having a difficult time with the focus on the subjects. When I take the photo with the auto focus under flourescent ceiling lights and with studio floor lamp lighting my subject, the photo is too bright for my liking - not enough contrast so I take the photo again without the flash and the photo is out of focus. There seems to be enough lighting with the floor lamp lighting the subject and the ceiling lights on but I do not get a solid green light with the shutter pressed half way. I am also using the zoom when doing this. I sent the camera back to Canon and they found nothing wrong with it. Any suggestions as to how to accomplish photographing still life arrangements without a flash?

[adas]

Are you using a tripod? The camera usually has a hard time focusing handheld when light levels are low and telephoto is used.

Make sure there is a good contrast (detail) on the subject you're focusing at. You can use a flashlight to illuminate the place while the camera focuses.

Make sure the camera-subject distance is not below the minimum focusing distance specified by the manual. At telephoto the minimum focusing distance could be about 3ft, and with macro 1ft.

[shoezeeq]

Thanks adas - I don't have a tripod (as of yet) but will give the flashlight a try (good idea).

[Blondie]

I also have the A520. Not only is a tripod a great thing to have, but I do notice the more zoom I use the pictures are more apt to get blurry from camera shake. And I keep my digital zoom off.

[shoezeeq]

A tripod is on my shopping list for sure! Thanks for the help.