Canon G10 Store

Question: Why does my canon g10 camera have problems focusing without the flash? i hate using the flash. personally?

(Posted by: Joe.R on 2009-11-12 00:59:40)

I think a perfect camera shouldn't need one or even have one. Quite simply, the camera should be able to see the same way my eyes see. So if my eyes can see something in low light, the camera should also be able to see it and photograph it). But I'm getting off the subject. I am trying to take pictures of my food inside restaurants that are MORE THAN ADEQUATELY lit by the natural light coming in from the windows. So WHY, then, is my annoying camera flashing icons on screen, indicating that it is not focusing? (yes I am pressing the shutter button halfway before pressing it completely) This is confirmed by the fact that the resulting pictures are slightly fuzzy (or blurry). This is infuriating. I can just imagine how terrible the pictures will come out when I'm trying to photograph in REAL low light. I have used the macro mode to no avail. Had I wanted a crappy camera with crappy performance I didn't have to drop $500 on this thing. I could have gone out and bought a something for $129. I'm starting to get really pissed off at this cameras performance.

Posted by: masmasac on 2009-11-12, 01:08:08

I think the G10 has an LED that lights up to help focus in dark situations. Make sure it's on. Even my Canon SD1000 which is older than yours has one and it can focus in absolute darkness. Macro mode is for close-ups and it can actually give you fuzzy pictures if you try to focus on objects at a distance. The LED light is called AF-Assist Beam on the SD1000. Hope this helps.

Posted by: keerok on 2009-11-12, 01:40:31

There, exactly the kind of assumption people make when using a camera. The camera is not as superior as the human eye. Believe it. Accept it. Adjust to it. Even the 50MP US$35K Hasselblad dSLR is no match to the human eye. The main question points to taking pictures in low light. Again, the perception of light is different between human eyes and the camera. If the camera insists on using the flash, it simply means, it can not see. When you have finally traced all your camera troubles to this wrong assumption, you will now appreciate the flash. Photography is technically a recording of light. Without light, there is nothing to photograph. May I remind you again, that real low light to you is pitch black darkness to the camera. Knowing your camera's limitations and being informed of the basic principles of photography will enlighten you and your quest for quality pictures, even in low light conditions. Picture quality is totally dependent on the photographer. The camera is just a tool. .

Posted by: a on 2009-11-12, 01:43:48

You will have to change off AUTO ISO to the ISO 400 800 1600 3200 Then if you are using Av or Aperture priority, the camera will set a faster shutter speed. You may have to add light by opening the shades if inside the room, or go outside with sun. You can also use flash, or fill flash or lamps or reflectors to bring more light in, in addition to available light. Also you may need a tripod in available light.

Posted by: Foggy Idea on 2009-11-12, 04:59:01

Use full manual mode and a tripod or other pod type item to stabilize your camera, and use the timer so you don't jiggle the camera when taking the shot. turn off the IS feature while uisng a pod.