Original topic:

Photos closer than 3 feet are blurry

(Topic created: 06-30-2025 09:41 AM)
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kap64
Asteroid
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Galaxy S25

I took similar photos with my S8 and they turned out ok except for depth of field was poor, but almost every photo I try to take closer than about 3 feet will turn out blurry, why is that? I also want to find out how to make everything including the background clear, how do I do that? Thank you.20250610_165821.jpg20250610_165927.jpg

8 Replies
Tom6068
Neutron Star
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Galaxy S25

What model phone are you using?

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kap64
Asteroid
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Galaxy S25

Just saw your reply, it's a Samsung S25 Ultra.

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meself
Honored Contributor
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Galaxy S25
Optimization setting use minimum
maird
Nebula
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Galaxy S25
Depending on the device model try one of the camera pro modes that supports manua focus, or try one of the "magnifier apps", 3 feet is a short distance for the camera and magnify might be more appropriate than the normal camera modes. Depth of field will be limited as it's really a ratio and only a very small amount either side of the focal point is likely to be within the depth of field. The S25U virtual aperture doesn't change the iris so the actual focal length to aperture ratio so shouldn't change hence the depth of field won't change. On a S25U the wide angle cameras will probably be better but you will probably have to crop the image for it to be just the subject.
maird
Nebula
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Galaxy S25
A small, close object will show more pixel movement for a given hand movement so it might also be blur, it might be worth trying a tripod if you have one or resting the camera on a stable surface propped up rather than hand held in place.
Popsicle20
Supernova
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Galaxy S25
Your camera is focusing just fine, but for some reason it's choosing to focus on the pavement in the foreground instead of on the model helicopter.

If you press and hold on the crosshairs in the viewfinder, this should lock focus and exposure on your chosen subject.

If you get Samsung's Camera Assistant from the Galaxy Store, this will add several features to your existing camera settings, including "Prioritize focus over speed", which might also help you.

My phone is an S23+, so some features may look or work a little differently than on your phone. 1751303264974.jpg1751303264998.jpg
Popsicle20
Supernova
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Galaxy S25
Someone else pointed out that it may help to use Pro Mode as this lets you choose the focusing method.

Manual focus has an aid which turns in-focus objects green while you're adjusting focus. This may be hard to see in bright light though, and you may want to choose one of the other settings instead.

Play around with some of these settings and see how they affect the focus and exposure in your photos. 1751303850597.jpg1751303850627.jpg
Blu-Ray
Comet
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Galaxy S25
I ran into this as well. I found about 50% of the time, if I tap on the screen where I want it to focus, it will focus just fine. The other 50% of the time I have to move the camera and focus on something else and then come back and tap again and it should be ok.

Honestly, I use to take a lot more photos with my iPhone than this thing. Mostly because I have a horrible tin be off getting halfway seven by photos. S25+