New PowerShot SX70 HS blurry

[JoanCarol]

Greetings

I do not have much photography experience, however I should be able to take a clear photo with point and shoot (my iPhone photos are good). I have a new Powershot xs 70 hs and despite my best efforts, nothing seems crisp with or without zoom. I have tried auto and other settings without luck. How do I know if it is me or the camera? Bought it on Amazon so no one to take it to and ask. 
thanks

[rs-eos]

Can you provide an example image?

As a test, on a sunny day either outside, or indoors if there is lots of light coming in, take a photo of something very detailed.

[JoanCarol]

[JoanCarol]

The female is the best shot I have done. The male is the usual. Thanks! 

[JoanCarol]

[JoanCarol]

One more example

[rs-eos]

Thank you for providing the examples.  I see what you mean; they all appear soft.  Almost like a bit of haze is over them.

Here are some things to try:

Do you have any filter attached to the front of the lens?  If so, remove that to determine if that was the cause.

I'm guessing the the aspect ratio of the images you're capturing is 4:3, but not sure what quality you have selected. If it's set to small or medium, increase that to large.

You may also want to reset the camera to its original settings.  To do so, switch the camera to P, Tv, Av, or M mode.   When accessing settings, there should now be a "Reset camera" option under the wrench menu.   See page 233 of the User Manual for details.

[JoanCarol]

[JoanCarol]

[JoanCarol]

Ricky

I did as you said. Today is bright but not full sun. I took these at 25-27 feet (I measured) on auto. Cropped them so the program would allow upload but otherwise didn’t change them. I am seeking to determine if (1) It’s me and I need practice, (2) this is the expected performance of this level of camera, or (3) there is/may be a factory imperfection and it needs to be exchanged. Thank you so much for your help! 

Joan