Digtal Pics

I have a digital camera. Nothing extravigant or fancy, or expensive. Just a little hp 150 buck special. It takes pretty good pics most of the time. The only trouble I have, is when taking pics up real close. Sometimes they are clear as a bell, and sometimes they are out of focus. Why? Thanks,
T.

Tough to say, really. The only thing I can think of is that you have autofocus. Autofocus doesn't always work 100%, especially when taking close-ups. There's a very small margin of error in getting a good focus when taking close-up pictures as opposed to taking pictures that are far away. If you are able to (and I wouldn't think you'd be able to if you are using a 'non-top-of-the-line' digicam) use the manual zoom and focus instead of the autofocus.

If you are not able to use manual focus, try moving the point of focus just slightly before you actually take a picture. I'm not sure if yours is the same as the digicams I've used, but you normally just press the button halfway down and the autofocus clicks on and then pressing the button all the way down to take the picture. Just press it halfway and take a look at the LCD screen to see if it's in focus. If not then let go the button, move the camera slightly so the middle (or POF) focuses on something either closer or further away and try again.

Hope this helps at least a little. Good luck.

BTW - if you have a macro function make sure it is turned on.

Without knowing the camera model, it's tough to say. But I'd be fairly confident in guessing it has something to do with the camera's focal distance. Chances are, you are too close to the subject. Set your camera to maximum resolution, and make sure you are 12 inches or more away from the subject. I'm using 12 inches as a base value, as most inexpensive digital cameras will need at least that distance to focus properly.

If you are not using one already, get a tripod and use it! (along with all the other great suggestions available here)