SUMMARY
Achieving sharp photos hinges on managing three primary issues: camera movement, subject motion, and incorrect focus. Beginners often struggle with shutter speeds too slow to counteract hand shake, which can be mitigated by following the reciprocal rule based on focal length. For moving subjects, faster shutter speeds are essential, with specific recommendations for walking, running, or fast action. Image stabilization helps with camera shake but not subject motion. Selecting the correct autofocus mode (AF-S for static, AF-C for moving subjects) and focus point is crucial, especially ensuring focus on the nearest eye in portraits. Aperture choice also impacts sharpness, with wide apertures offering shallow depth of field but less margin for error, and very small apertures risking diffraction.
TAKEAWAYS
Blurry photos stem from camera movement, subject motion, or focus errors.
Use shutter speed appropriate for subject motion and focal length to prevent blur.
Image stabilization counters camera shake, not subject movement.
Match autofocus modes and focus points to your subject for accurate focus.