Tonight I took my new S75 out that I bought last week and shot a bunch of pictures. On the Camera LCD Screen it looked as though I had captured several good pictures. When I got home and downloaded them on the computer, I was surprised to see that only a few turned out. Most were out of focus and some (the first 3 I believe) had dots in a portion of the image that was clearly a problem with the camera (the lens was perfectly clean and the dots were contained in a small rectangular portion of the picture). Many of these images were taken in night mode. As a former S70 owner I am very disappointed by this. With the S70 it would be the other way around, I would take several pictures and only a few would not turn out. Don't get me wrong, the images that turn out with the S75 look fantastic (at least to my untrained eye), but they are few and far between. I sold my S70 to a friend and he let me take it out and compare the two last week. Again, with the S70 it was much easier to obtain consistantly good results and with no surprises after the images are downloaded. Needless to say, I am having regrets about getting rid of the S70 now before trying the S75. The S70 had its share of problems as well but IMO the image quality was consistantly good. Maybe it is me, I am definitely no professional, but I have been using them side by side and doing nothing differently (except for playing with the S75 settings to try and get better images). I I still have three weeks before I have to return the S75 (thanks to Sears), but if this continues there is no doubt I will return it. I want something that I can depend on. I don't understand how an "upgrade" could constistantly perform so much worse. I will probably give the S85 a try when it comes out but it is going to be difficult to go without a camera for 2-3 months. Does anyone think that the S85 will be any better as far as focusing? If I could deal with the size (and I could find a Sears that carried them) I would give the 505v a try. Everyone talks highly of this camera and Phil gave it a ten for image quaility. I want to stick with Sony because over the last year I have accumulated several 64MB Memory Sticks. Purchasing new media would be too expensive for me. I don't care about having the "latest and greatest", I just want something that is somewhat compact and consistantly takes excellent quality images. It looks like I will be anxiously awaiting the S85 arival.
-
Welcome to the new forums! Please read this first. For known issues we are working to resolve, click here.
S75 Focus Problems
- Thread starter Green
- Start date
I too have noticed this focus problem. The S75 seems to require more "patience" to focus right. Someone in another thread mentioned looking for interference patterns on the LCD to determine when the camera is focused on the area of interest. I have tried this technique and it works.
Don't know about the dots. I have no noticeable ones on mine.
Don't know about the dots. I have no noticeable ones on mine.
J
Jack O'Neill
Guest
Hi Green,
I do notice I have more pictures that are out of focus. I've been spending more time making sure what I took is in focus by zooming the replay.
This seems to happen most in auto mode, I think the auto mode of the S75 always picks a smaller f ratio(larger aperture) than the S70 did. On mine it always wants to pick around f2.8 or less. This will give a very short depth of field and I think a greater possibility that the subject will be out of focus.
I think the S70(still have not sold mine) is a better point and shoot camera.
If Sony could make a firmware upgrade to so that auto mode tried for a higher f ratio like f4.0 for a default, alot of the S75 problems ( like CA & focus) would deminish.
I don't know about the dots. I do know that if you are shooting toward the sun ( maybe within 25 degrees or so) or a bright refecltion, it is possible to get artifacts in the image( same as the S70).
Will Sony fix the focusing problem in the S85?
I think if what we are seeing is caused by auto mode picking too low an f ratio, Sony could fix that in code before production, if they listen to us.
If the problem is in the hardware, I think it's there to stay for the S85 as hardware wise internally they are the same except for the CCD. Sony is not going to make any big chages this late in the game or they won't have the camera out for the Christmas season.
just my opinion
Jack
I do notice I have more pictures that are out of focus. I've been spending more time making sure what I took is in focus by zooming the replay.
This seems to happen most in auto mode, I think the auto mode of the S75 always picks a smaller f ratio(larger aperture) than the S70 did. On mine it always wants to pick around f2.8 or less. This will give a very short depth of field and I think a greater possibility that the subject will be out of focus.
I think the S70(still have not sold mine) is a better point and shoot camera.
If Sony could make a firmware upgrade to so that auto mode tried for a higher f ratio like f4.0 for a default, alot of the S75 problems ( like CA & focus) would deminish.
I don't know about the dots. I do know that if you are shooting toward the sun ( maybe within 25 degrees or so) or a bright refecltion, it is possible to get artifacts in the image( same as the S70).
Will Sony fix the focusing problem in the S85?
I think if what we are seeing is caused by auto mode picking too low an f ratio, Sony could fix that in code before production, if they listen to us.
If the problem is in the hardware, I think it's there to stay for the S85 as hardware wise internally they are the same except for the CCD. Sony is not going to make any big chages this late in the game or they won't have the camera out for the Christmas season.
just my opinion
Jack
Bruce46914
Well-known member
Is this apparent focusing problem specific to the S75, or does it also happen with the F505V? Also, is it more common with macro shots in auto mode? Am looking at both the S75 and the F505V, and having trouble deciding on which to purchase. Since the F505V does not have a viewfinder, is the LCD frame view 100% (or very close). Can anyone offer insight as to the pros and cons of both cameras, along with a recommendation. Thanks.
angela37564
Leading Member
I too have run into alot of out of focus pictures, especially in black and white mode. I thought it was because of movement but I did a bunch of very still shots and had the same problem. In auto macro mode I feel I have to move the camera around alot before getting that focused shot. I haven't tried manual mode yet.
The S75 lcd screen is right on, the viewfinder is way off so I never use it. One of the reasons I didn't buy the F505v was because it didn't have a viewfinder, now I realize they are never accurate so I wouldn't of missed it or used it anyway.
Hope this helps.
The S75 lcd screen is right on, the viewfinder is way off so I never use it. One of the reasons I didn't buy the F505v was because it didn't have a viewfinder, now I realize they are never accurate so I wouldn't of missed it or used it anyway.
Hope this helps.
My F505V has got some focus problems that can easily be overcome. Mostly if there is a vertical line behind your subject (like a tree or a fence) the camera will focus on that vertical and not on the subject. You'll need to be alert for it and there are several easy tricks to solve the problem. When you have focus, it'll be razor-sharp! Never have i gotten unwanted, completely out of focus pictures with my F505V.
Marcel
Marcel
Hi Angela,
If your LCD focuses but the viewfinder does not, try adjusting the diopter on the side of the viewfinder. You will need to focus first using the LCD then, adjust the diopter until the image in the viewfinder is also in focus.
If your LCD focuses but the viewfinder does not, try adjusting the diopter on the side of the viewfinder. You will need to focus first using the LCD then, adjust the diopter until the image in the viewfinder is also in focus.
angela37564
Leading Member
Actually I was talking about the image centering as being way off in the viewfinder as compared to the lcd screen (and actual image on computer after downloading). Lcd screen shows true image centering.
U
Ulysses
Guest
Just want to tell you something about the F505V to help keep the other cameras in perspective. A camera is about potential as well as photographical skill. And then there is some good fortune mixed in there, too.
The F505V is a camera full of potential. But that potential is not necessarily easy to unlock. Some of us have had a F505V for a long time, and we're still learning what we can do with it. Some of us have had a renaissance of sorts.
Then there is Phil. Phil gave the F505V a 10. OK, I agree with that one (almost). But producing a '10' image is another thing entirely. Most images during the course of a day can be duds. The point is that you've got to work at it. You can't point, click, and have a '10' just come out.
I think that with work and understanding of your camera a bit more, you can get images of 9 to 10 also. But that is your choice. The S70 allows the point-n-click convenience along with quality that had not been seen in such a combo. That is fine, and many people enjoy that, too. The S75 is just different. But I would expect that it can do the kind of job that Phil did with it if you take the time.
Or not. Maybe the solution is to return it and get something else.
Either way, great images don't come automagically.
I'm having a number of autofocus problems myself. I'm new to the camera world, and I just got my S75 a couple of weeks ago. It seems that the indoor pics are the worst for autofocus. Am I doing something wrong? I don't want to have to manually focus everyone of my pics, I would miss so many of the great shots while screwing around with the adjustments. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
--Gary
--Gary
I don't expect a camera to produce 9 or 10 shots everytime when I am in fully auto mode but I would like them to at least be in focus at least 75% of the time. I know that it is going to take work and time to get to know the camera before images like Phil's cam be consistantly acheived. The problem with having a camera that does not perform well in auto (for me) is that my wife uses this camera as well. She is not interested in taking the time to learn the manual functions. She wants to point and shoot. I want a camera that will allow me to learn and grow into a better photographer. Also, I am not that critical about my pictures as long as they are in focus. I see several people that post images and complain about this or that. When I look at them I see a very nice image. Maybe this will change with time but right now I just want them to be in focus. If I didn't have an S70 prior to the S75 I would probably be happy with the S75. But now I know what sort of images even an amateur such as myself can produce and I won't except anything less. I have decided that I am going to play around with the S75 for another 3 weeks and return it. Then comes the waiting game for the S85 and if I don't like that I will buy the new version of the F505V when it comes out. I just wish I still had my S70 in the mean time.
Just want to tell you something about the F505V to help keep the
other cameras in perspective. A camera is about potential as well
as photographical skill. And then there is some good fortune mixed
in there, too.
The F505V is a camera full of potential. But that potential is not
necessarily easy to unlock. Some of us have had a F505V for a long
time, and we're still learning what we can do with it. Some of us
have had a renaissance of sorts.
Then there is Phil. Phil gave the F505V a 10. OK, I agree with that
one (almost). But producing a '10' image is another thing entirely.
Most images during the course of a day can be duds. The point is
that you've got to work at it. You can't point, click, and have a
'10' just come out.
I think that with work and understanding of your camera a bit more,
you can get images of 9 to 10 also. But that is your choice. The
S70 allows the point-n-click convenience along with quality that
had not been seen in such a combo. That is fine, and many people
enjoy that, too. The S75 is just different. But I would expect that
it can do the kind of job that Phil did with it if you take the
time.
Or not. Maybe the solution is to return it and get something else.
Either way, great images don't come automagically.
A
Archie
Guest
I don't have any focus problems with my S75. For auto focus press the shutter button only half way down and hold it there till the blinking green dot stays steady on the LCD screen or if using the viewfinder wait till the focus light to the right of the eyepiece stays steady. Then press the shutter button all the way down. This works for me every time. If I press the button all the way down at once of course I will get an out of focus picture. The beep signal will also tell you that you are focused.
Archie
R
René
Guest
Hi Green, I have all the problems you describe, but I disagree with Jack about the reasons. I don't use auto mode at all. The most "auto" thing I do is to use Twilight mode, which prioritizes the aperture to the extent possible, until the shutter gets to 1/30, then it will begin opening the aperture. I use this mode for general snapshots. Focus problems here too.
I shoot mostly in macro mode, aperture priority or manual, always f8, on a tripod. These are studio shots, not outdoor shots of things with potential motion. I have been extremely careful with focus, since I realize the camera may be having difficulty. It is very important to aim the rectangle precisely where you want the focus to be. My shots have improved, but still not 100% focused. (I'm not using manual focus, but letting the camera find focus with a half push of the shutter.)
So I set up a test. I described this in another thread; another reader suggested it. I drew a black horizontal line 2" away from the edge of a white paper, stuck a straight pin in the line into some foamcore, and had a ruler crossing the line which showed in the frame but not in the rectangle. the camera lens was right at the edge of the paper, 2" away from the line and the pin. The black line appeared to be in focus, the ruler lines were in focus where they intersected the black line, but the pin was consistenly out of focus! Even though they were virtually the same distance away from the lens! There was a light reflecting off the stainless straight pin, so it was a much "softer" color and edge than the hard black line. But even so, it should have had an "edge". And it just didn't.
My theory has to do with sharpening. This camera wants to sharpen everything, even with sharpening turned off. If you pull the images into Photoshop and enlarge them to 200%, you'll see white halos around all the darks, even with sharpening set to 0. (The S70 did not do this!!) So all of my black lines were outlined with white ones. But with softer colors, the camera's attempt to "sharpen" just makes mush. There are all these pixels that don't belong there. So it's really hard to tell where the "edges" are with more neutral colored subjects.
This has been my observation so far, anyway. I'm still testing,
I completely share your experience of having the images appear to be sharp on the LCD, only to have them look blurry on the computer, or when printed. It's very frustrating. And My experience with the S70 was the same: very few images were out of focus. With the S75, out of 150 images, I've kept only a handful, and even they're not 100% sharp.
René
I find it interesting that B/W mode results in more out of focus pictures. I have a question, do you find that the entire picture is out of focus or just some subjects? I ask because the color resolution of a 3 meg pixel camera is really only 1 meg pixels (1 meg pixel camera really only a 300-400k pixels) So, I'm thinking that if you are looking at a subject which is saturated especially in red or blue it will have significantly less resolution, even in B/W mode.
I always do that and still have focus problems. I take pictures side by side with the S70 and S75 and the S75 pictures are out of focus much more frequently than the S70.
don m
Senior Member
Hi folks.... just wondering if (for those folks that want a more "point and shoot" camera for the less experienced "part-time" (e.g spouses) of the S75) the infinity setting might be applicable. I would like to make it easy for more family members to snap off pics when they want to (without running back to get my trusty "sub-mp" MVC-FD91. Could the infinity setting work for these types of uses???
Cheers,
Don
Cheers,
Don
Hi all S75 owners!
I am a novice at digital photography but I do not have the problem with many pictures out of focus. Of course there are some but I think when there are many it will be 1-5 out of 100 (1%-5%). I took all my pictures in full auto mode, just aimed with the rectangle and shot.
My only complaint is that you don't see on the LCD if the picture is out of focus (only sometimes).
All in all I took until now about 750 pictures ín full auto mode and there are about 20-25 out of focus I think that is not bad.
My experience was that the S70 of my friend did much worse autofocus, every fifth picture was bad.
Bye Max
(a very happy, satisfied, overwhelmed.............S75 owner)
I am a novice at digital photography but I do not have the problem with many pictures out of focus. Of course there are some but I think when there are many it will be 1-5 out of 100 (1%-5%). I took all my pictures in full auto mode, just aimed with the rectangle and shot.
My only complaint is that you don't see on the LCD if the picture is out of focus (only sometimes).
All in all I took until now about 750 pictures ín full auto mode and there are about 20-25 out of focus I think that is not bad.
My experience was that the S70 of my friend did much worse autofocus, every fifth picture was bad.
Bye Max
(a very happy, satisfied, overwhelmed.............S75 owner)
Keyboard shortcuts
- f
- Forum