Question about blurry pictures

[JohnRChick]

Hey. I'm new here. I have a Fujifilm 4800Zoom digital camera. The specs are pretty good for me. 4.0mp and an ok zoom. I've had it for about 2 years. One thing lately has been driving me crazy. It seems as though with this camera, it's very hard to snap a clear and sharp picture. I always have to focus in on the object for about 5 seconds before I snap the picture, otherwise it comes out blurry. So basically I can't take pictures of anything that goes on really fast, because the camera doesn't focus on it correctly (I assume). Is it just the way my camera is designed? This camera is more of an upright camera, as opposed to a horizontal camera. Could this be the problem, or is this just how a lot of digital cameras operate? Would I see any improvement if I were to buy a new sony or cannon camera? Any ideas about this?

Thanks a lot!
John

[another view]

Is this something that's been happening since you bought the camera or is this the way it's worked since new? Any subjects in particular that are causing problems?

A lot of point and shoot cameras (film or digital) are pretty slow to focus and just not going to follow something moving, so I'm not sure that another camera would help. An option, although expensive, would be a DSLR like a Canon Rebel or Nikon D70 but there are other costs and things to consider too - but they should do a much better job of tracking a moving subject.

[JohnRChick]

yeah, I think its been that way since i bought it. Like with this camera, I can't just turn it on and snap a picture.. even if its not moving fast. I have to the button down half way, so it can focus, then i have to press it the rest of the way. Basically I can't really quickly take a picture. So it's kinda hard to get pictures unless I already why what im gonna take. I also think it has to do with the fact that it is more vertical than horizontal. Anyone have any suggestions or what?