Nikon SLR Cameras

Why is my new Nikon camera take pictures that are always out of focus?

Lois Lowrey
Lois Lowrey

About a month ago i purchased a new Nikon DSLR, the D5100. Generally i like it a lot, but i find that when i'm in the midst of taking a picture, it will be crystal clear when i look through the lense or on the screen, but then as soon as i take the photo, it will turn out blurry and out of focus. Also sometimes the lighting will be perfect and then as soon as i take the photo it will turn out really dark. Any Ideas why that is? Its extreamly frustrationg.

Akansha
Akansha

First of all check your settings. Along the side of the lens change the setting from manual focus(MF) to autofocus(AF) and try to take a picture.

If it still doesn't work out I believe you should get it checked up at the store. Since you bought it recently you'd have warranty on that too isn't it? So, don't you worry if there's some problem with the camera then they'd find out the problem and replace that defective part.

Masticina Akicta
Masticina Akicta

Sounds like a broken lens…

If you got warrantee get yourself a replacement lens. Your current one might be a monday morning model as they call it.

Brian
Brian

I just bought mine as well. The view finder (the eye hole you look through) will display what you see, but the camera settings will be the decider in how pics come out. Put camera on auto mode and take note of the aperture, shutter speed and iso settings that are automatically set by camera (If you don't know what that means I put a link for all three from YouTube - quick, easy and informative videos that helped me). On manual mode, depending on the lighting, you will have to adjust all three (iso, aperture and shutter speed) to capture the desired results.

Pics are blurry because shutter speed is low. If you snap a pic and it takes 1/10 of a second or greater, any vibration AT ALL, even just pressing the button to snap photo will cause a blurry pic.

If it is dark, and the shutter speed is really fast, meaning the photo takes pic in 1/100 of a second, not enough light was let in and the pic will be dark. In this case you'll have to increase the iso, decrease shutter speed and aperture.

The youtube videos are quick and very good. I'm beginner, but knowing aperture, iso and shutter speed is step 1 to great photos.

Aperture

ISO
http://www.youtube.com/...9-fifSFxQw

SHUTTER SPEED
http://www.youtube.com/...8cCnuTNaic

Andrew
Andrew

It takes months to learn how to use a DSLR properly.

Are you keeping your shutter speed UP? Are you giving the camera time to set focus and exposure (half-depress the release and wait)? Are you holding it properly? Are you using the viewfinder (holding a DSLR at arms' length so you can see the screen is a recipe for disaster)?

While a defective camera is always a possibility, you could be making a hundred little mistakes - and only experience can correct that.

Jim A
Jim A

Honestly I'd say it's operator error. Sounds to me as if when you press the release button you're moving the camera. This causes blur at slower shutter speeds of 1/50, 1/80 and so on.

Lighting wise the screen and view finder are deceptive. You can't judge your lighting by either one.
It's also important to get off that screen idea and only use the view finder - for several reasons, too long to go into here.

You have to learn what correct lighting is given the lens you're using and the settings you have on the camera. If you're shooting full auto, which I suspect, you need to start learning proper lighting technique and how to set your camera / lens for the lighting you have.

You need to hold your camera steady or learn how to boost your shutter speed and ISO to compensate for a shaky camera.

You can find good articles about all these on the web.

Guest
17.05.2022
Guest

wow thank you thank you, I have a canon, and I was ready to buy a new camera, until i saw you post,