Blurred photos even with fast shutter speed

[ulyce]

Hi,

I just took some photos of people and found out that the objects I focussed on came out in the most cases blurred (due to their/my movement, I guess). The problem is, I didn't go for slower shutter speed than 1/60 sec (actually most of the photos were taken with shutter speed faster than 1/250 sec).

I use Nikon D90 & 24-85mm f/2.8-4D AF Nikkor. I didn't use flash. Some of the photos came out blurred even if I took them in the continuous mode.

My question is, should I always expect photos to came out blurred if I don't stand firmly on a place (I mean, no camera shake)?
Also, I expected that any photos taken with faster shutter speed than 1/60 sec will be usually sharp... where was I wrong?


I would be grateful for any answers,
thank you...

[SusanH1970]

Can you post an example or two with EXIF?

[IABoomer]

If you're shooting in AF-C (continuous) mode, the camera can trip the shutter without the subject being in focus. So, the blur you're seeing is probably missed focus as opposed to motion blur, especially if shooting at speeds of 1/250.

You might have better results shooting AF-S (single) where you get the beep when focus is locked in. You might have to press the focus button/half-shutter a few times to lock in on the shot/focus you want, but the camera won't fire if it's not locked in.

Still, it would be good to see a sample image.

[i speak in math]

freezing motion depends highly on the speed of the motion you are trying to freeze. Some one sitting for a portrait isn't moving much and doesn't require a fast shutter (1/60). Some one running playing a sport is going to need a much faster shutter speed (1/400). A fan blade spinning around might require 1/8000 and plenty of light to get there.

Just using more than 1/60 doesn't mean anything if the motion is fast.

[ulyce]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

Just using more than 1/60 doesn't mean anything if the motion is fast.

Oh, this must have been it. We've been mostly walking, but I tried to capture rather some fast motions. I absolutely didn't realise this... ^^'

Thank you very much everybody for the replies!