New user with 300D focus question

[levontn]

I just recently purchased a 300D and have just started a new hobby.

I have been having some issues with the auto focus on the camera. The camera always wants to focus in on one or two dots. This causes the rest of the picture to be slightly out of focus with the rest of the picture. Any suggestions…….. I’m still using the auto portion and have not moved over to the manual settings on the camera.

If needed, I can show you some pics that may give you a better understanding of what I’m having problems with.

Thanks

[robertwgross]

I have been having some issues with the auto focus on the camera. The camera always wants to focus in on one or two dots. This causes the rest of the picture to be slightly out of focus with the rest of the picture. Any suggestions??..


Welcome to modern DSLR cameras. Look to see what the aperture is when you shoot such a scene. If the aperture is something like f/11 or f/16, then you will get a deep depth of field, i.e., almost everything is in focus from near to distant. However, if your aperture is something like f/2.8 or f/4, then you will get a modest depth of field, i.e., everything is in focus just around the focus points and not much else. If your aperture had been something like f/1.4, then the depth of field gets extremely tight, but if you had such a lens, you wouldn't have been asking such a question.

---Bob Gross---

[levontn]

Thanks for the insight. I have been using the kit lens when I have this problem.

[ejwebb]

I don't mean this disrespectfully, but there is a lot to learn. Read the camera manual - and then read it again - especially the section on the focus options (p. 62 & 63). I think you might have it on automatic AF point selection and you need to manually select which focus point to use instead (normally the middle one). I still get my manual out and read pages and I have had the camera for months.

Put the camera in each of the modes and experiment!! I mostly use Aperture Priority or Manual modes for the control that they provide.

I think Aperture Priority (Av) mode is a good place to learn because you set the aperture which determines the depth of field (or focus area) - which is what Bob explained to you - and the camera selects the proper exposure time for you. You can learn the relationship this way. If you need a higher exposure to stop motion blur then increase your ISO or turn on the flash. There is a lot to learn!! Most importantly - have fun!!

[levontn]

I appreciate the remarks and know that there is much to learn. I'm glad that I came across this forum and just in the few days that I have joined I have read tons of useful info. Again...thanks for your reply and time.

- Eric