Blurry pictures when not using flash

[KungFuJoe]

I'm trying to take pictures inside my house. If I have the flash set to auto, it always wants to use it...but then the pictures come out nice and clear but too bright. If I switch to Scene mode and choose Inside, and then turn the flash off...the brightness is perfect...but the pictures almost always come out blurry even if myself and the subject are very still.

Is this "normal" or am I doing something wrong?

Even if I switch to Manual mode and set the shutter speed to 400, if I turn the flash off...blurry pictures.

Oops...forgot to mention I have an SD500.

[JustShootin']

When you say you have the camera set on manual, and the shutter speed at 400. Does your manual setting on your SD500 allow you to actually set the shutter speed to 400 or only the ISO to 400? I don't have the SD500, but I have the SD600, and manual on it gives me very little control. I can set the ISO, but not the actual shutter speed. The camera chooses it for me. In other words, it sounds to me like you're getting camera shake from a slow shutter speed. As for getting washed out pictures with flash, could it be that your exposure compasation is set to + 1 or 2?

[KungFuJoe]

When you say you have the camera set on manual, and the shutter speed at 400. Does your manual setting on your SD500 allow you to actually set the shutter speed to 400 or only the ISO to 400? I don't have the SD500, but I have the SD600, and manual on it gives me very little control. I can set the ISO, but not the actual shutter speed. The camera chooses it for me. In other words, it sounds to me like you're getting camera shake from a slow shutter speed. As for getting washed out pictures with flash, could it be that your exposure compasation is set to + 1 or 2?

Sorry...you are correct...I can set ISO to 400.

I guess my main question is...why would the picture be blurry with no flash but be fine with flash?

[MaxZoom]

I guess my main question is...why would the picture be blurry with no flash but be fine with flash?Unless you are using a tripod the slightest movement of the camera will cause a blur. VERYstill is not the same as TOTALLY still.

To avoid washed out pictures make sure you have exposure compensation and flash compensation at 0. If flash is still too strong adjust flash compensation to -1, try it and adjust again to taste.

[Jon]

When you use flash, basically your exposure is only for the duration of the flash. With the flash off you get a longer exposure, during which time you're more likely to fidget & shake. So, without flash you'll want a sturdy tripod. With one you'll need to see if your camera has exposure compensation and det it back (-) a bit.

[KungFuJoe]

Thanks for the responses guys...now I understand that there is exposure differences when using flash or not...so it all makes sense.

:)

[brantfordbandit]

if u want to get ride of that washed out look real easy put a white envelope over the flash, this will defuse the flash and not make your picture sostark

[ijohnson]

A tripod will solve that problem but will not solve the problem if your subject is moving.

Tripods are very important when using cameras indoors or in low light.

[JEB2002]

I've turned off the flash for a better indoor picture....but what if my subject is moving (like a 2 year old) - therefore, usually his hands or arms appear blurry. Does anyone know a remedy for this?

[NikStar]

The only other remedy is to raise the ISO to 800+ indoors. Your pics will look a little grainy, however. That can be corrected with software a bit. Also, make sure you are not using the zoom at all (it raises the aperature, which causes a slower shutter speed.)

[denncald]

I've turned off the flash for a better indoor picture....but what if my subject is moving (like a 2 year old) - therefore, usually his hands or arms appear blurry. Does anyone know a remedy for this?

Duct Tape will allow you secure the squirmy little character long enough to keep movement from happening...just don't post photos on the Internet or you might get a visit from the law...something about child abuse...

Another option is to turn on as many lights (at night), and/or open as many curtains in your room to increase available light. This will help, but kids will be kids...they move a lot.

You could also make a diffuser from a ping pong ball;

http://www.lx3-photography.com/2009/01/lx3-diy-flash-diffuser-test.html

Or try using a business card as a bounce device;

http://www.diyphotography.net/the-party-bouncer-is-back-in-business

Dennis