Xti is taking better pics than my new t3i? What gives?

Well, I had laid this thread and issue to rest. I also hadn't used my camera until recently.

I just got back from my honeymoon and EVERY SINGLE photo I took with the t3i has a soft focus. As you can imagine, Im pretty furious

Since my original photo comparisons between the t3i and the xti were not very good, i decided to try a much more controlled test between the two cameras.

I set up a focus chart, set up the tripod, using a non-sigma lens (since you guys rag on sigma so much!!!), I used the Canon 50mm 1.8 (nifty 50), and lo and behold, I was right, this thing cant focus to save it's life!

Even after resetting it to factory settings, the focus is completely off.

Take a look at the photo below. Both photos were taken on a tripod, with a remote shutter, at the same shutter speed, iso and aperture and the focus set to the middle point on the frame. Both are set to L + Raw, and the difference is staggering. I shot this at f/1.8 1/125 sec shutter ISO 100.

I tried to make this as apples to apples as possible. The photo is a screencap, both files are opened in GIMP, set to dot to dot view and 100% zoom.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

maybe just a bad camera

Using that focus chart, compare the T3i using regular AF and then using live-view AF and then just for good measure using manual focus with liveview 10x for accuracy. If it is sharp in liveview, then you have a focus calibration issue in the camera body. I suspect that is the case.

Sorry your honeymoon pictures aren't too sharp. That bites. I bet they would still make decent small prints though as they aren't WAY off, just enough to be soft. If that is any consolation.

tkbslc wrote in post #14802870
Using that focus chart, compare the T3i using regular AF and then using live-view AF and then just for good measure using manual focus with liveview 10x for accuracy. If it is sharp in liveview, then you have a focus calibration issue in the camera body. I suspect that is the case.

Sorry your honeymoon pictures aren't too sharp. That bites. I bet they would still make decent small prints though as they aren't WAY off, just enough to be soft. If that is any consolation.

Thanks, yeah I think it is a calibration issue in the body as well. It's been like this since the day I bought it and I KNEW something was wrong when I first posted it. At least now it's confirmed.

Luckily the repair facility is local, so I am going to drive it down and give them a piece of my mind. As far as the honeymoon pics, theyre blurry, but they'll look ok in a small digital picture frame and such.

The stupid part is I dragged 10-15 lbs of camera equipment on my back for 2 weeks, hiking rainforests and etc taking pics, I could have just taken my point and shoot (my wife did at least!) and left the heavy bag at home.

Oh well...

I have a similar issue with my Kiss X5 (T3i/600D). Pictures were coming out soft, Like Foggy soft. I thought it was the lens, than i went to my Camera Settings and Cleaned the Sensor. Problem Solved. I don't know why, But ive had to do this about 3 times now since i got it roughly 2 Months ago.

I second what tkbslc wrote.

sev wrote in post #14805258
Luckily the repair facility is local, so I am going to drive it down and give them a piece of my mind.

What for? They didn't know about your problem - doing that is probably not going to do you any favours...

It's unfortunate it took this long to confirm the issue but if you felt there was something wrong with the camera you could have started the warranty process with Canon a lot sooner too.

joeblack2022 wrote in post #14805310
I second what tkbslc wrote.

What for? They didn't know about your problem - doing that is probably not going to do you any favours...

It's unfortunate it took this long to confirm the issue but if you felt there was something wrong with the camera you could have started the warranty process with Canon a lot sooner too.

Yeah, I hadnt used it in a few months, I had nothing to shoot. I thought the problem was with my sigma lens, as mentioned earlier in this thread, so I didnt use that particular lens on this trip as much, I used the prime and another wide sigma I have, when I got back and realized all the pics were blurry, my suspicions came back and I confirmed it with the focus chart test. At least now I know.

You're right, no point at being angry with them for a problem they werent aware of, I'll be driving it down in the next few days, hope they just replace it, I dont think I can trust this body anymore.

sev wrote in post #14805329
At least now I know.

You're right, no point at being angry with them for a problem they werent aware of, I'll be driving it down in the next few days, hope they just replace it, I dont think I can trust this body anymore.

Chalk it up to learning I guess. You might even find it funny in a few years..?

I'm pretty sure more than a few members are envious that you have a repair facility within driving distance!

joeblack2022 wrote in post #14805347
Chalk it up to learning I guess. You might even find it funny in a few years..?

I'm pretty sure more than a few members are envious that you have a repair facility within driving distance!

I actually didnt know at first that i did either! When i opened up the claim, the website told me to mail it to VA. I was **** about the situation on facebook and one of my buddies told me we very close to a repair facility in Irvine, CA. I called the facility and they said it would be no problem to drive it in.

Yeah as far as the experience goes, it is what it is. Luckily I discovered it within the warranty period. I just HOPE they dont come back and tell me that the camera is fine. I dont think they will.

sev wrote in post #14801939
Well, I had laid this thread and issue to rest. I also hadn't used my camera until recently.

I just got back from my honeymoon and EVERY SINGLE photo I took with the t3i has a soft focus. As you can imagine, Im pretty furious

Since my original photo comparisons between the t3i and the xti were not very good, i decided to try a much more controlled test between the two cameras.

I set up a focus chart, set up the tripod, using a non-sigma lens (since you guys rag on sigma so much!!!), I used the Canon 50mm 1.8 (nifty 50), and lo and behold, I was right, this thing cant focus to save it's life!

Even after resetting it to factory settings, the focus is completely off.

Take a look at the photo below. Both photos were taken on a tripod, with a remote shutter, at the same shutter speed, iso and aperture and the focus set to the middle point on the frame. Both are set to L + Raw, and the difference is staggering. I shot this at f/1.8 1/125 sec shutter ISO 100.

I tried to make this as apples to apples as possible. The photo is a screencap, both files are opened in GIMP, set to dot to dot view and 100% zoom.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO

T3i photo:

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO

XTI Photo

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO

The thing is, I dont think its a lens issue, I used 4 different lenses during my honeymoon two sigmas, two canons, and all the photos still have a soft focus.

What am I doing wrong? Should I open up a warranty claim with Canon? Will they even bother? Help!!!! I want to throw this peice of crap against the wall.

#@$(&#$(&@#%&%@&#$&#@$​(

Send your camera (or take it there yourself ... must be nice to be so close to their repair facility!) to Canon to get its autofocus system calibrated. Chances are, it's out of calibration. This happens from time to time, and is something that Canon can easily fix.

kcbrown wrote in post #14806131
Send your camera (or take it there yourself ... must be nice to be so close to their repair facility!) to Canon to get its autofocus system calibrated. Chances are, it's out of calibration. This happens from time to time, and is something that Canon can easily fix.

drove it in today and dropped it off. the woman made it sound like it was an easy fix. should have it back in a few days. i still feel like i cant trust the camera though

I'm not understanding why 1: This issue has persisted over an 8 month period 2: why you took this camera with you on an important- once in a lifetime trip. I read the first page- and the last- so far.

I've read the thread, and here are things that I choose to point out or ask.
1. Are all of your shots wide open ? Your body lacks MFA, you should try shooting with the lens stopped down a bit- like 1 to 2 stops. If that helps- you may need to send the body and lens in for calibration- or stop down your lens. Poor lighting could also contribute. Try your targets outside, mid-day. Bright sun.
2. Another way to see this- is to go take a shot using the viewfinder, and take a similar shot using Liveview. If liveview is clearly sharper- then your setup needs to go into calibration.
3. When shooting from a tripod, use a remote or 10 second timer- to allow for the camera to settle. The RC-6 remote should work- IR- and costs about $30. It'll eliminate shake caused by pressing the button.
4. Homes/ offices- most are really poorly lit. It does no good to test the AF system out in poor lighting where the system is most inconsistent. Add a lot of light.
5. Monitors are poor subject matter to take pics of. You need things with contrast.. A wine bottle with a fancy label would be infinitely better. Or one with a basket type weave around the bottle.. Or a basket. Something with notable texture.
6. Are you selecting the center point for focusing ? One Shot mode? It's the most accurate on your camera.

You should consider getting a kit lens for this camera.. If it works- then rid yourself of it -as a kit.

Your XTI pushes your lenses a lot less than your T3i. Consider getting newer, better glass and upgrading them. Even between bodies- the XTI might have different sharpening and other levels set - compared to the t3i. Comparing output from raw- or from the neutral are your best bets.

OP: I think you might be happier with a point and shoot. DSLRs have way too many settings and options to be a once-a-year tool for a beginner. The experience is much better if you invest the time to become an expert with your camera's performance and settings.

A Canon S100 or G12 will be so much easier to just pick up and go without investing the time it takes to master a T3i, and you have enough settings to control your shots when you want to.

wayne.robbins wrote in post #14808458
5. Monitors are poor subject matter to take pics of.

LCD monitors are perfect with the right image. I did this MFA procedure, and it worked incredibly well using my laptop as the target. The process actually requires a monitor instead of a print, to get the moire pattern on live view.

Very quick MFA process:
http://www.northlight-images.co.uk …s3_af_micoadjus​tment.html

sev wrote in post #14807698
drove it in today and dropped it off. .....

Congratulations on taking a step in the right direction towards sorting this issue out!

I have sent a few items to Canon over the years for repairs (bad habit of dropping stuff) and have always been satisfied with the results. Here's hoping you have the same exerience.

Congrats on the recent marriage and please let us know how your camera behaves once you get it back.