G9 X - Picture edges unfocused on close range

[AnthonyD]

I just bought a PowerShot G9 X.

For close range photos the center focus is good, but the edges are out of focus. I've partially overcome this effect by selecting an edge for the focus frame, but then the center is out of focus though not as bad as the edges were. No matter what I try the focus is uneven and makes for bad close range photos. This camera is brand new.

My older,  lower-end PowerShot A2500 HD manages to focus the whole shot evenly. See the attached photo comparisson.

My two questions are:

1) Is this normal or is something wrong with my camera?

2) If this is normal, can I change it so the focus is even across the image?

Thanks!

PowerShot G9 X

(not the mark ii version)

[AnthonyD]

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@Waddizzle wrote:

I frequently eyeball this table before I go out on a shoot.  Select a camera with the same sensor size as yours.

http://www.dofmaster.com/doftable.html

It helps me to select lenses, and choose focal lengths.  It is a bit dated, when it comes to camera selection.  But, the size of sensors really has not changed.  For example, I select the EOS 7D when I am using any APS-C DSLR by Canon.

You have to scroll way down the list to find PowerShot cameras.

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I don't mean to be rude, but what the hell am I supposed to do with that chart? I'm not a photographer, just a regular point and shoot person. The only part that I could make sense of is "Circle of confusion".

[John_ · Accepted solution]

Anthony I'm just a point and shoot person too your camera is new and if I were you I'd call Canon and see if they have any ideas outside of buying a different camera and lenses etc.etc or if maybe they will replace yours with a new one. I still don't think what your seeing is normal and it makes no sense how it switches from bad middle to edge focus....get it on record contact Canon. I looked thru your manual and saw no "disclamers" like you can expect poor edge or center focus if you shoot like you did.

[AnthonyD]

Thanks John, your answer is the most helpful (and sensible). Why would they make a camera that's supposed to perform this badly? If I'm messing around with manual program functions and causing the problem, that's well and good, but if Auto setting is causing the problem and I have to work around with finicky manual settings, and STILL not get a satisfactory picture, then something's very wrong. Either the camera is defective or it just sucks. I hope it's the former rather than the latter.

I'm returning it to Amazon. What a bunch of stupid annoying trouble. I wish it was clearly damaged, like with big holes or tears in the images, or something easy to determine as defective. These subtle issues take longer to spot, lead to debates over the cause, and mean I have to go through a painstakingly meticulous testing process the next time I buy a camera. Why waste my time doing actual productive work when I could invest it on trying to figure out if my camera is bad?

Thands, I'll mark your answer as the solution.

[John_]

Your welcome Anthony and thankfully Amazon has a great return policy procedure. Your right those hidden, subtle problems dont always show up so fast. Consider an extended warranty with your next choice too. I wish you the best of luck. By the way I have the SX50HS and have taken many close shots both macro and just close up and never experienced what you have with the focus.