Novice Question - Hazy Photos

[jschu]

I don't know much about dig. photography, am using a Canon SD450. My pictures used to be fine, but all of a sudden, all of them are hazy. Not out of focus, just look like the subjects are in a sort of fog. I have tried all different times of day and lighting, and all look the same. I have tried different settings, and tried to figure out the problem from the manual, but I just don't know enough about photography. Can anyone help me? (Please give me very basic instructions)

[Forced Perfect]

I don't know much about dig. photography, am using a Canon SD450. My pictures used to be fine, but all of a sudden, all of them are hazy. Not out of focus, just look like the subjects are in a sort of fog. I have tried all different times of day and lighting, and all look the same. I have tried different settings, and tried to figure out the problem from the manual, but I just don't know enough about photography. Can anyone help me? (Please give me very basic instructions)

Does the lens have a smudge on it? :P

[RebelRat]

Post some example of these pics so we can see. It's difficult to say anything without seeing the problem.

[Paul79UF]

definitely a lens smudge....

it's not that hard to mistakenly put a finger on the lens with the small canon powershot cameras...i've done it at least a few times

[downtrodden]

I agree on lens smudge. aEven a small fingerprint that doesn't look like much will have a huge impact on how your pictures turn out.. Before you get a paper towel.. there are "right" ways of cleaning the lens. I'd suggest a lens cloth.. also sometimes called a microfiber cloth. This works great for me :D Hope that helps.

[Paul79UF]

that's true about the microfiber cloth....

in a pinch, a q-tip slightly damp with alcohol can work to gently clean a lens

[jschu]

Thanks so much, everyone! I looked at the lens and there was a big fingerprint. I feel like an idiot, but I would have never thought to look there for the problem.