1.

When taking portraits, you need to use a little optical zoom.

Your camera when set at no-zoom has a equivalent focal length of 35mm. Which in the world of film cameras is actually slightly wide angle.

This is not good for portaits. It can cause facial distortion. It can make noses look larger.

Zoom out to about 2x optical zoom and then position yourself and camera at the appropriate distance to fill the frame with your subject.

2.

Never use digital zoom - it degrades the photo.

3.

Some people have problems holding the camera steady.

See if a tripod will improve your photos:
Set the camera on something solid and take a few pictures and check to see if there is an improvement in the quality.

Using the viewfinder instead of the LCD can improve photos. By pressing the camera against your head, the camera is steadier. Your head is steadier than arms held in front of you. For more support, lean your shoulder against a tree, pole, wall, etc.

I have taken excellent 10X zoom photos by using the viewfinder and leaning against a support.

4.

If the quality problem is when printing - make sure that your printer is set properly. All inkjet printers have software that connects to the printer driver. This software lets you set paper type and print quality. These are very important for getting good prints.

5.

Go to www.kodak.com
Near the top of the page click on:
"Taking Great Pictures"
Lots of good information there.

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