..."befringence, if she stops down it should get better."

Sebastian,
Thanks for the info. This is probably a stupid question, but I don't have a manual. Is there a way to fix the settings to work in auto mode? In other words can you manipulate the auto settings from factory settings? I know she won't take the time to "stop down" the settings when she is outside because she just uses the camera for a snapshot point & shoot. She got this particular camera because it was a "deal" from me or she would have purchased a cheaper easier camera.

Is it the "specific" lens that is in this particular camera? Like a glitch or something that just happens sometimes? Anyway, it needs to be fixed so she can use auto without playing around with the settings every time she takes an outside picture. If not, she will have to get another camera or just deal with it. It really is aweful. She took a photo of the first communion class and the image looks like they are in heaven - it is almost all aglow.

Thanks for any advice.

Liz