Is the Canon PowerShot A530 any good?

[Scottie]

Is the Canon PowerShot A530 any good? I just bought one and some of the pictures I take in doors are abit blurry, I have 30 days to try it out then I can take it back if I'm not happy with it.

Should I keep it or is there something better for about the same price? I payed $188 for it at Walmart.

Thanks !

[tlamm]

That would be a great camera. If the pictures are blurry it is most likely do to motion blur. Either you moving the camera or the person is moving to fast.

Its a common problem with any digital camera. And occurs most often in indoor pictures.

You happen to have a camera that has alot of manual options.

Just turn the the Dial to TV mode. And select 1/125 for the shutter speed, by clicking right on the big circle button a few times.

[Scottie]

I don't see a TV mode?

[tlamm]

I'm sorry. You are correct. I own an A510 and an A540 and both have that option. Jst looked yours up at Steves Digicams and it does not have the Tv mode. I'm surprised it does not have it.

In your case you would have to select the SCN mode, and one of the options they provide, ie Kids. Or make a bunch of manual settings in the M mode.

I'm going to now say if it was me i'd return it, and buy a Camera with the Av and Tv modes. Like the A540.

[Scottie]

Is there another bran with about the same price or cheaper that might be better for me?

[tlamm]

Personally I would either buy the A520, which should cost less. Or the A540.

The number of megapixels really does not mean much. They will all look great for a 4x5 photo.

Canon makes a great camera. I'm really surprised that the A530 does not have the Av and Tv modes.

[goofball]

Can you post some information from the picture? In particular, the exposure time information? You should be able to right click on the image in Windows and that information is in the properties of that file

[Scottie]

I see nothing when I right click on the picture and properties but the resalution,

Does anyone own this very same cam that can say if it is good or not?

[kcorscadden]

I got this camera for Christmas and it is a great camera IMO. This is my first digital camera, so obviously I have nothing really to compare it too, but all of my family and GF have digital cameras and Canon is the best out there. This camera is very user friendly in comparison to others I have seen.

A530 is a great camera.

[Scottie]

thank you

[goofball]

You have to go farther into the picture properties. Information should be under the "Summary" tab. You may have to click the Advanced button to get more info.

I don't think it matters too much what other people think of the A530 if it doesn't produce images that you are happy with.

First off though, we need to know what conditions you are getting blurry pictures from. To eliminate whether you have a bad camera, a setting problem (in-camera or just the place you are shooting), or if it is the photographer that is at fault.

[Scottie]

Width: 2592
Hieght: 1944
Horiontal Resolution 180
V R = 180
Frame count 1
shutter speed 1/60 sec.
Len Aperture F/2.6
Focal Length 6 mm
F-Number F/2.6
Exposer time 1/60 sec.
Exposure Compensesation 0 step

[goofball]

1/60th is pretty good. The focal length is not right though, 6mm is probably the minimum focal length setting.

Were you shooting a moving object?

[Scottie]

nope just my dog laying on the couch.

Anyways I think I'm going to the CN tower this weekend Sunday for the 3 for $30 deal I saw on here I will have to take alot of pictures with it then to see if I like it.

[goofball]

Were you under poor lighting conditions?
Do you have shaky hands?
Do you compose your shot with the LCD or the viewfinder? Try using the viewfinder and brace yourself to try to eliminate shake.

[Scottie]

I will, seems like it only takes blurry shots in doors though outside pictures look nice.

[Keelie]

my husband has the A530 and the pictures are great, indoors and out.

i have the older A70, and the pictures on the A530 are nicer.

[Scottie]

thanks again !

[sonick]

Use your flash

[Scottie]

Anyone else care to add a comment or 2 about this model?

[tlamm]

As I mentioned above, I really like Canon Cameras.

If you are using AUTO mode, i would suggest you read the part of the manual that talks about pre-focusing. Basically you line up your photo, hold the button halfway down until you get a green light, then push the button fully down.

You also have to stand very still when taking the photo.

MY original suggestion was based on a moving object. Motion blur is a very common problem with all digital cameras. It happens when either the subject moves quickly, or the person taking the picture moves even a little bit. It is much more common on in door pictures. A camera with the Tv mode would let you compensate by adjusting the shutter speed.

You can still use the SCN mode to adjust the shutter speed for different situations. The a540 even has an indoor option in that mode.

[Scottie]

Do you think turning it from Fine to Super Fine would make the pictures better?

[tlamm]

Do you think turning it from Fine to Super Fine would make the pictures better?

No. That has nothing to do with brur.

Your issue, without actually seeing a photo you took, is all about motion.

If you get great photos outdoors, and blurry photos indoors. You either have to change the shutter speed, or stand very still. OR, select a SCN mode that matches the action.

[goofball]

Do you think turning it from Fine to Super Fine would make the pictures better?

Nope.

Would you mind uploading one to imageshack or somewhere like that so we can actually see what you are talking about?

[Scottie]

I turned the compression up to superfine and it seemed to hlep, I also have been trying the SCN, indoor selection seems to help alot to !

I'm now happy with the pictures it is taking now.

Thanks for all your help, I like the Cam alot, The books with it are abit hard to follow though.