any camera geniuses here please?

[JaneyVee]

4. Sounds like it's auto focusing.

Use auto flash, check the mode i.e. sport, night, portrait, etc. Most cameras come with just ok lenses. A lens upgrade usually speeds up auto focusing. Also, experiment with manual mode. Lighting and zoom also plays a big factor with auto focus. That's a good camera, so it's probably a settings factor, possibly in the menu screen. Good lenses adjust quicker in low light. Also make sure you're not zoomed in too much. Remember, these cameras take huge poster sized photos and can be cropped in photo editor later while maintaining high quality photos.