Part of the image is blurry

I have a Canon A640 and the bottom part of the image is always blurry, regardless of camera movement, shutter speed, etc. It's not blurry only when I zoom in. What could be the problem and what can I do about it?

two examples

http://www.ensitconsultancy.co.uk/temp/1.jpg
http://www.ensitconsultancy.co.uk/temp/2.jpg

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.

It seems to me that you have a lens element out of alignment... if thats the case, there's unfortunately no quick fix. Its something that a tech would have to look at and repair. But it would be covered under warranty as long as the camera hasn't been dropped.

There may a simple fix, is the lens clean? I thought about this and a small smudge might be affecting the image.

I'd still like to see some other images, there could be a lens element out of alignment or the focusing tube could have been damaged but that usually requires enough shock to produce greater problems than theses two photos display. With either of those problems in these cameras it usually just won't focus at all. And you did get a viewable image on the steps and gate.

Check to see if the lens is clean (a lens cloth the microfiber type should do the trick), try some different modes to alter the Depth of Field and Aperture, and even try a Macro shot or two. Focus problems will show up very clearly with the Macro settings, "usually".

Let us know what you've discovered.

Quote:

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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.

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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).