Blurry picture

What make and model of camera do you have?

In general, you need to make sure you aren't shaking the camera or focusing on something that's too close. Also, you need to have adequate lighting or enable the flash.

If it's a new camera, make sure you have removed any protective stickers on the lens and display.

Many times people move the camera while snapping the picture. Sometimes they don't even know they're moving until later.

Put the camera on a table or other stable, stationary object.
Point the camera at some large object at least five feet away and make sure no other close objects are in view.
If the camera has a timer mode, engage the timer mode and press the button to take a picture. Otherwise, hold the camera steady on whatever it's sitting on and press the button to take a picture.

If the picture is still blurry after a few attempts, then the check the camera lens to see if it's dirty. If it's clean, the camera probably needs to be serviced. If you have a product repair/protection or warranty from a retailer, check with the retailer on how to get it serviced. If not, check the manual and manufacturer's website to see how to get it serviced or repaired.

An important thing to keep in mind is that compact cameras use contrast detection algorithm for automatic focusing. This means that if you try to take a picture of a low contrast subject, the camera will probably not focus properly - or (more likely) will focus where it finds the highest contrast, which in many cases will *not* be your subject.

Solution is to use contrast light (eg. sunset or dawn) or let the camera to focus where "it wants" and then, holding the button half-pressed, move closer or farther away to the "right" distance.

With higher resolution cameras (more than 6 Mp) shaking (apart of low contrast) is indeed a major cause of blurring - follow the advice of "bhiga" - or try to force the camera to use higher shutter speeds - this generally, means brighter light. For critical shots you may want to use multiple photo setting - eg. 3 or more in one "go". For 8 Mp and above - *always* use support - at least "ground" the camera or elbows onto something. In "normal" conditions no "shake reduction" will be of any help. Moreover, in many cases - such as eg. moving subjects or even windy conditions, shake reduction (even a proper one - with giro sensors) may ruin your photo - so use with caution and never count on it.

Alex