A few questions on Canon IXY digital 400 settings

[tradertt]

Hi I have a few questions on my Canon IXY Digital 400 settings -

1) Why are my pictures so grainy? I took it at the highest resolution and it is very grainy - is it because I set it to SUPER FINE? When should i use super fine etc etc ... can never figure that out.

2) There are 4 buttons to press with the left one being the MACRO BUTTON - what does the Top one do? When I click it once - a small square appears in the middle of my view finder - there are 3 settings and it seems that the brightness is changed too when I change the settings - Why?
What are they for and how should I use them?

Is there anyone that can lead me to a webpage that has better tips and explanations on the functions of my IXY 400?

Thank you

[JohnnyE]

I don't actually own a IXY 400, but I looked this stuff up in the manual for you.

1) Super Fine setting is the highest quality setting. It pertains to the amount of compression that is applied to your images. Super Fine is the least amount of compression . Your images are probably grainy because the ISO setting is on a higher value (above 100 for example). You can only adjust the ISO speed in manual shooting mode. See page 77 in your user manual for more info.

2) The top button is used to select the light metering mode. Just like ISO, it only works in manual shooting mode. See page 69 in the user manual for more info.

In case you've lost your user manual, here is a link to the online manual:
http://www.powershot.com/powershot2/.../S400_CUGe.pdf

I hope this helps!

[n3hle]

Try http://www.shortcourses.com/using/index.htm for good information and read the manual a few times. You will get it.

[tradertt]

Thanks a million for the explanations and the links - My uncle gave me this camera and I think he did not put the user manual inside the box as he was using this camera previously - yeh I set to ISO 400 - I thought a higher ISO was better? I am taking product photographs and I still got lots of things to learn ....

Will take a look at the website and the online user manual too

[n3hle]

Well I hope you enjoy the camera. It is capable of very nice photographs. As far as ISO its the lower the better for image quality. Only use the higher ISO's for darker situations that you can't or don't want to use flash. I would set it to ISO 50 and use a tripod and 2 second self timer for my product photos. This will ensure the best image quality and sharpness. Rgrds, Kevin

[tradertt]

Thank you yes I just read that in the manul too Looks like I am setting it at the wrong ISO settings ...

Thanks..

Anyone has anymore tips ?

[tradertt]

Oh by the way, when in macro mode - when I focus there will be a green box appearing on my object - but most of the time it will NOT BE on the subject - What is that greenbox (is it where the camera is focusing) and how can I make it onto my object?

[n3hle]

Go to the menu and turn off the AiAF to off. This will force the focus to the center. With it turned on it selects from 9 different points to focus on.
Rgrd, Kevin

[tradertt]

HI

What difference will it make if AIAF is on or off - as in to the quality of the picture - which is recommended?

Thanks

[n3hle]

The AiAf has nothing to do with the quality of the photo. It simply determines the focus area. If on the camera chooses where to focus. If its off the focus will always be in the middle of the frame. I always leave mine set to off. It just ensures focus is where I want it.
Kevin