Why are photos blurry on a Nikon Coolpix A900 after a drop?
Answer
After a drop, blur on a Coolpix A900 is often handshake at long zoom, incorrect focus distance, or a lens/stabilization fault from impact. Test at wide angle on a bright, still subject first; if wide shots are sharp but telephoto is soft, use a faster shutter, more light, or support before assuming the lens is damaged.
Follow these steps
Test a bright wide-angle shot
Zoom all the way out, place the camera on a steady surface or use a timer, and photograph a sharp, well-lit subject several feet away.
You should see: The wide-angle photo looks acceptably sharp, or it is also blurry.
Check full-zoom distance limits
Zoom to full telephoto and photograph a subject farther than about 2 m (6 ft 7 in). At long zoom, stand still, tuck your elbows in, and use a faster shutter or more light if the camera allows.
You should see: Telephoto shots improve with distance and steadiness, or they stay soft.
Clean the outer lens and sensor path carefully
Power off the camera and wipe only the outer lens glass with a clean microfiber cloth. Do not open the camera body or spray liquid into the zoom barrel.
You should see: Smudges are gone and sample photos look clearer, or blur remains unchanged.
Listen and watch the zoom action
Power on and zoom in and out while listening for grinding and watching for uneven barrel movement that started after the drop.
You should see: Zoom motion is smooth, or it sounds or feels damaged.
Decide on service if impact damage remains
If wide-angle shots on a tripod or table are still soft, or the zoom feels rough, contact Nikon support or a camera repair shop and describe the drop plus the blur pattern.
You should see: You have a clear repair path, or confirmation that technique settings were the main issue.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether blur happens only at full zoom, whether the subject is closer than about 2 m at telephoto, and whether wide-angle photos on a steady surface look sharp.
Before you change anything: Copy any photos you still need off the memory card. Clean only the outer lens glass with a proper lens cloth. Do not force the zoom barrel if it feels rough after the drop. Note whether the camera was wet as well as dropped.