Trouble with Rebel XT

[Ron Wilson]

Hi, I am new to the forum and new to Digital SLR's. I have been shooting pics for many years...film SLR Canon AE1 for 10 years, then Digital Powershot S30 for many years. I took the plunge into Digital SLR 2 weeks ago. Tried out my brand new Rebel XT, with a Lexar 1GB and a variety of lens. I cannot get a clean, sharp image. I thought it was possibly the "newness" of the whole Digital SLR thing. I thought maybe the lens wasn't good enough but when I shot with a 50MM 1.4 which people claim is wonderful I knew it was not a lens problem. I am ready to take the Camera in to Canon tomorrow to have them check it out. Has this occured before? Is it common? Is there a simple test I could do? Something obvious to shoot? I am LOST. Thanks to anyone who offers help. I have been reading posts for 2 weeks now. You guys are great. I hope the problem isn't me.:cry:

[Spots]

Hi,
There have been many posts suggesting focusing problems with many different solutions, however, for me I find that it is a simple matter of camera shake. When I use a tripod focus is definitely better even when using the 50mm ( I am not suggesting that is your problem though so please don't take offense!). Here is a link to to a focus test that might help you.

http://www.photo.net/learn/focustest/

Cheers
Spots

[cfcRebel]

Hi ron, welcome to the forum.
Can u post the pictures in question here? I believe many people here have experience with the 50mm f1.4. Maybe they can help.

[tim]

Sure do a focus test, it sounds like a camera problem to me, but it never hurts to test and it doesn't take long. I prefer this test (http://md.co.za/d70/chart.html) myself. HTH.

[Ron Wilson]

Hi CFC. I post 2 pics. I tweaked one in PS but I'm still not happy.

[tim]

What aren't you happy with?

[Biggie]

I have the same Camera there Ron and don't have that problem myself. Just wondering could you be using the portrait mode to take the picture?

[cfcRebel]

I am no expert but I agree, they look a little soft, especially #2. Do you see the same problem when taking outdoor shots using tripod in good lighting condition? If yes, and changing lens still doesn't resolve the problem, then maybe you should bring the camera back to the store and ask them to take a look.

[Curtis N]

I'm no expert either, but it looks like more of a depth-of-field issue to me. In both pictures, the center of the image is focused fine (the tip of the guy's nose). The camera focuses on the closest thing it sees, and anything further away (even a few inches) will be out of focus. If you're using that 50mm/1.4 wide open, that's what you can expect. Try stopping down to f/8 or back away further.

Let us know the camera settings and distance to subject used in those shots and I might have a better idea.

[Ron Wilson]

I was fully open shooting at a slow speed for the 2nd pic. I will try to take some shots outside and see what difference it makes. Right now I think it's just me with a problem. The camera gets the benefit of the doubt. Will post more over the weekend. Thx to all who commented.

[cfcRebel]

Ron, I see you have a EF75-300. If you could, find an apropriate oudoor subject about 15~20 ft away from your camera, mount the camera on a tripod, autofocus the subject, and use a remote or timer to take the shot. You can try the focal length of 100mm. I heard the 75-300's sweet spot(aperture) is around f8-f16. At least it is for my 100-300mm.
Using this lens to test can help us eliminate the possibility of narrow DOF.

[bcaloia]

For those new to DSLR shooting, there is always the subject of sharpening and RAW etc. Its a huge subject and you can find lots of info on it in these forums.

BC

[boomerang]

I think IMHO takes some shots outside maybe try to get around 1.8-2.0 and if you have one use a tripod. If you are going to test out the camera you kinda need to take out factors- camera shake, lighting. than est out another lens this will rule out camera fault.
I love the 50mm 1.4 but it takes some getting used to and practice.

[CyberPet]

If you're not sure about the lens, try using it with the flash, to rule out camera shake.

[Ron Wilson]

Hi, thx for all your useful comments. CFCRebel , I did as you suggested. 100MM at F8 15 ft away. The 2nd is 1/60 at F3.2. I still don't know if it is just me having to get used to the camera or the camera.

[BugEyes]

I got a 350D a few days ago, upgraded from a 300D. I had the same experience as you have when I used it with my Sigma 70-200 2.8. Did various benchmarking and found that it frontfocuses quite a lot, the entire in focus area is in front of the focus point. That lens worked perfectly on my 300D. By looking at your pictures it appears to me that you have similar problems. Looking at the picture of the woman her shoulder looks to be in focus, but I assume you aimed for the face. The fruitbowl shows similar problems while it's hard to say on the other pics as there is nothing closer to the camera on them.

[cfcRebel]

Hi Ron,
First, we can rule out the lens problem since you switch to 75-100 from the 50mm prime. Next, we can rule out camera shake because you used a tripod (and timer or remote?). Picture #1, the focus seems to be on her right shoulder and not on her face because her hair and collar are a little soft. Picture #2 fruits in the basket, I can't find the focus point. Maybe it is because of the picture size. If these pictures were taken using tripod, then I would take the camera to the camera store that sold you this camera to get an exchange, or to a Canon service center to check. Here is a sample taken with my Digital Rebel, 100-300USM at 300mm, f5.6, ISO400, 1/1000s, monopod. No sharpening done, i only increased the brightness a little.

[Ron Wilson]

Good thoughts. I think that you are right about the camera front focusing.

[Ron Wilson]

thx cfc. he camera goes in for service tomorrow. BTW nice shot of the squirrel.

[cfcRebel]

thx cfc. he camera goes in for service tomorrow. BTW nice shot of the squirrel.Thanks Ron. I know for sure a good copy of XT and a 75-300 combination will produce similar result, if not better.

[Laffctx]

I just got my Rebel 300D and I also picked up and extra lens for it a 75-300 and I cant say much for the Auto Shoot setttings in bright light outdoors, but I really mostly like the Manual settings, P, Tv, Av & M settings myself........they are more fun and with a little practice you get better quality pictures.

Here is a couple I have used my 75-300 on without a tripod just handheld.

Im a newbie but this is really fun,

thanks,

Laffctx

[Ron Wilson]

The camera has been with the Canon people for over three weeks now. Customer service is trying to get the full scoop from the repair people as to when I can expect to get the camera back. This is a brand new camera. Have any of you ever experienced anything like this? What recourse do I have? Will Canon replace with a new camera if I shout loud enough?

Any advise.

[richard_a]

It is stated in the warranty that if a problem cannot be fixed, canon has the right to replace the camera with a camera that is working within specs. I am not sure though if this means a brand new camera.