Everything in the distance is out of focus

what camera model are you using? Is it possible that the auto focus is turned to manual?

Is the camera perhaps set in macro or manual focus mode? I've made that same mistake myself. If it is in macro mode then you will see (somewhere on the display) a small icon of a flower. If it is in manual focus mode then you'll see an MF icon.
Hope this helps

The instructions for changing the resolution are on page 30 of the manual.
If the pictures are fuzzy, increasing the resolution won't help. The most likely causes of fuzzy pictures are as follows
1) Focus. Check to make sure the focus is on the subject. If something else in the picture is sharp while others are not, then the camera may have focused on the wrong subject.
2) Subject motion. If moving objects are fuzzier than stationary objects then you need to use a faster shutter speed (or flash).
3) Camera motion. Just because the camera is on a tripod doesn't mean it doesn't move. One philosophy says that if a tripod is light enough to be carried then it's not sturdy enough. For a compact camera like the SD850 that likely isn't the problem. However, you can still shake the camera when you press the shutter release button. Try setting the self-timer. This allows time for the vibrations to die down before snapping the picture.
In your particular case, I think we can assume that the subject isn't moving, so #2 doesn't apply. To assure proper focus, make sure the painting is flat and perpendicular to the lens axis. If the painting is tilted relative to the camera, then different parts of it will be at different distances and the camera won't be able to keep all of it in focus.
Also, make sure the front of the lens is clean.

I wonder if your autofocus is having problems. It may never get a distance number and is just sitting there waiting for it to figure out how far things are.

There is no other real difference when taking close or far just the focus. If you take the camera and set it to manual focus to try and take some distance shots. If that works then that is the problem.

As far as fixing it that depends on the value of the camera. Unless it is one of the higher end cameras the cost of repairs will be more than a new replacement camera. If you have warrenty this is covered. So check out your warrenty, check out the repair cost estimate, and check out what a new camera will cost. If you don't want to spend the money then your only option will be to learn how to do a manual focus for distance shots. It isn't hard just take a little practice. Unlike close photo's distance ones are not that picky for focus.

have a look at what the focus setting is on ,,,if its on close up's,
thats why there fuzzy, its that or the auto focus is playing up,

It could be the focusing, did you check the focus every time? A slow shutter speed also causes blurry pictures. I know you do use your tripod, but if you don't use the self-timer function or a shutter cable then you are not using the tripod properly. Also, check the front piece of glass in the lens, clean it if it has stains or whatever on it.

Maybe lens needs adjustment. The info on this page may help. Copy and paste this link for more info.


http://www.fixya.com/PostAnswer.aspx?thid=1841738&prdid=447928&ctgid=67

Hi

Yes, there is a 'macro mode' setting which is what you need to use to take closeup photos.

Put the mode dial on Auto in camera mode, and then press the 'macro' button, its the one with the little flower icon. The macro icon appears on your screen and you can now take closeup photos.

Have fun, darntoothysam com

Thomas

guess no one knows

A small amount of dirt on the lens would just produce some flare and redule overall contrast slightly. It wouldn't produce a grossly out of focus image. Either you misaligned something or you messed up the autofocus system somehow. Can you focus the lens manually. Many consumer grade digital cameras allow you to set the focus at some specific distance. Do that measuring the distance carefully, and see if the image is still out of focus. Digital cameras tend to have a lot of depth of field, so there must be something seriously wrong with the mechanism.