Getting sharp images

I recently learnt this useful tip on getting sharper images:


Note the focal length (zoom number), as a rule of thumb, the shutter speed should match the focal length ie. if I focus at 50mm, my shutter speed should be at 1/50 sec (which shows up at '50' on the display screen); if I focus at 100mm, my shutter speed should be at 1/100 sec and so on.

This has been very helpful in helping me going on to the Manual mode. I've never dared to try Manual as I always get too-dark, or blurry images, and it's discouraging when I see them. Now, I am able to utilise the Manual mode, albeit using it in a 'rule of thumb' manner.