Olympus Stylus 820 - Grainy Pictures

[mtobesman]

I need some advice on what setting(s) I should set my camera to achieve best quality pictures. I am no pro with cameras and this is a new one to me, and of course, the book is overwhelming. I just want a really good quality photo. It seems to have grainy images so far. I tried SHQ, HQ and SQ1 - they all were not that great??? I just really want a crisp photo, please advise me on how to set my camera and its settings. I would really appreciate any advise!!! Thanks!!

[Photo-John]

The grain - called "noise" in digital - is caused by high ISO settings. You definitely want to keep the camera on the SHQ quality setting. The problem is ISO. I assume you have it set on total auto? I'm not sure what mode you need to use on that camera to change the ISO. But you want it set on the lowest number - probably ISO 64. That will give you the sharpest photos with the least noise. However, in low light, you'll be much more likely to get blurry photos from motion at the low ISO setting. In good outdoor light, ISO 64 should get you the results you're looking for, though.

[mtobesman]

I will adjust the ISO setting, I do take most of my pictures indoors though - will this matter?
Thanks so much for helping me!

[Photo-John]

I will adjust the ISO setting, I do take most of my pictures indoors though - will this matter?
Thanks so much for helping me!

It will make a difference. The camera companies have all tried to teach us that cameras are magic and the right camera will make perfect pictures in all conditions. That's just not true. Low light is tough - period. So you will probably have to adjust your expectations and learn some better technique. Indoors, try turning the flash on and using low ISO. Don't use auto flash - it's terrible.