Powershot S30 Newbie Question

[Mosley]

I am new with all cameras in general, as well as with this camera.

There is a delay from when I press the button, and when the camera takes the picture. Why? How can I take a picture the instant I press the button?

[bigdave]

The delay you're referring to is the time it takes you camera to autofocus. To avoid this wait, you can try two things: look in your camera manual and see if you can change the shooting mode to hispeed, or you can use manual focus. If you use manual focus, the camera will take a picture as soon as you press the shutter all the way.

[sean000]

This is a common complaint people have of many cameras (not just digital) that autofocus. I find that my S30 doesn't take any longer to snap a photo than my Pentax IQ Zoom 35mm film camera. For both cameras, I used the following methods to shoot in autofocus mode:

1. Focus first and then wait for the shot. With both my Powershot S30 and my Pentax film camera, pressing half-way engages the auto-focus. The shutter doesn't click until you press all the way down on the button. If you have the opportunity to wait for a good shot, focus first and wait. Press half-way to achieve focus lock. When the right moment arrives, press the rest of the way and you will take the picture instantly. Focus Lock also allows you to focus on one object in manual or portrait mode, and then recompose the frame and shoot with the original subject still in focus.

2. Use high-speed action mode (or high shutter speed in manual mode) to capture action (or shots that you don't have time to think about). The camera will focus almost instantly when using a high shutter speed, where it takes longer to focus in other modes.

The Canon manual is actually extremely helpful. I took many indoor photos and complained about how harsh the flash is, until I read the manual and discovered that you can turn the flash down :-)

Sean

[cabenn3]

OK I musta read the manual twice and missed that. You got the particular page where you can turn down the flash setting? MY goodness that would be a lifesaver. I went on my honeymoon and wanted to capture the ambiance of the French Restraunt we ate at and the darn flash made it so bright it looked like daylight in there :P Although the flash is real nice for that just reason but if you want to take a closeup it tends to over expose everything.

[ruby]

Basiclly to turn the flash down you need to ne in P, TV, AV mode and then hit the WB button as many times as needed till it says flash and then adjust it to a lower level.