Quote Originally Posted by drg
The image with the gate appears that the Depth of Field needs to be increased. The smaller the Apeture(larger the F number) the greater your depth of field. Be aware that then the shutter will need to stay open longer and holding the camera still or it being tripod mounted may come into play.

If you have photos with more objects closer to the camera, post them with the EXIF data intact or post the exposure parameters including ISO to tie this down as the real cause. I've used a A640 and haven't seen any problem.
I agree. This looks just like a standard DOF thing. You will have to post more images. Try one where everything is at about the same distance (like a landscape of some sort).