I have noticed that sometimes when we are trying to get close-ups of specific parts the images are out of focus. I know that this can be frustrating. If you are like me sometimes we assume that the camera is going to autofocus cuz thats what they are supposed to be. Autofocus cameras. Not so. They normally only focus down to a minimum distance. This is where the Macro button, **** or whatever comes in. It usually is represented with a flower symbol. Press it and the close-up images will snap into focus. Just remember to take it out of Macro focus for regualr shots. The exact mimimum focusing distance depends on the camera, zoom, etc. but if you move in and find that the camera just will not focus press macro and you will instanlty have a very sharp picture. Just remember that at close distances camera shake is maximized so you need bright light, flash, image stabilization or a steady hand. Happy shooting.

Moved to lounge. Toddster

I use to get frustrated. Just got a Lumix TZ5. It'* AutoIntelligence mode is great!!!. I push the botton half way down, it hits the object with a laser you can see, then it disappears, and the green light comes on. CLICK! From landscapes to inside a flower, I am amazed at itz capabilities. I need to get it on the tripod and try out the time elapsed star mode.

That reminds me of a camera that I once bought for a friend. With the time lapse mode you could set a predetermined time and it would snap an image every fifteen minutes or whatever. It worked great for spontaneous party shots. Just another side note, the self timer button is a great way to get vibration free close-ups without a flash on still subjects since you are not touching the camera there is no camera shake or vibration. It even helps when you are holding the camera since you are not pressing the shutter at the time that the shutter opens. Just exhale slowly until the shutter clicks.

Check and see if your camera has macro mode, usually the icon looks like a flower.

Another one I found is it'* difficult to take pictures of paint, like scratches, especially if your paint is shiny. The camera tries to focus on the reflections in the paint. One way to do it is to put your finer next to the scratch. That way the camera focuses on your finger and hopefully the scratch. Then just remove your finger and take the picture.

Good suggestion. Speaking of paint, a good way to enhance a photo is to use a polarizing filter. They are most common for 35mm lenses but they would work just as well held in front of a point and shoot autofocus. They remove reflections and bring out the colors. Great for blue sky, white cloud images. Also for removing reflections from paint, water, glass etc. You just rotate the filter to increase or decrease the effect. You just have to keep in mind that an autofocus camera requires what is called a circular polarizing filter. They come in different sizes but for point and shoot any size would do.