Yeah actually everything is on auto...ISO, flash...etc. I don't really have a way of controlling the focus. Except for the fact that when in manual mode, I can focus by pressing the shutter button half way down then depressing it the rest of the way to complete the shot. You think that could be it. Thats what I suggested to my dad (a professional photographer, but unfamiliar with digi)

Could it be that the auto setting just isn't very precise and thats what accounts for the inconsistency?

BTW, thanks a lot for trying to help me here g2tegls