Problem focusing in falling snow

I get exactly that problem with my 30D but NOT with my older Eos-3. I've assumed that its down to the 30D's AF sensors being more sensitive?

Originally I suggested here that it was something to do with the darker view from the crop camera affecting the focus sensors, but was shot down in flames for even thinking it.

Whatever the reason, my digital (and more modern) 30D won't hold focus while old faithful will.

At the same time I'm offered all sorts of in-camera junk I'll never want. Pict bridge is a typical example.

And they call it progress. I want a camera that locks onto focus and stays there. Is that too much to ask? Obviously (unless you're using a Nikon according to the original poster).

Richard

Lowner wrote in post #4051882
I get exactly that problem with my 30D but NOT with my older Eos-3. I've assumed that its down to the 30D's AF sensors being more sensitive?

Originally I suggested here that it was something to do with the darker view from the crop camera affecting the focus sensors, but was shot down in flames for even thinking it.

Whatever the reason, my digital (and more modern) 30D won't hold focus while old faithful will.

At the same time I'm offered all sorts of in-camera junk I'll never want. Pict bridge is a typical example.

And they call it progress. I want a camera that locks onto focus and stays there. Is that too much to ask? Obviously (unless you're using a Nikon according to the original poster).

Richard

If youre assumption is correct, then you ARE getting what you asked for. The camera is simply focusing on the snow that it previously was not able to see.

No matter how advanced the camera comes, it will never ( or at least in any foreseeable future ) be as advanced as the human brain coupled with the human eye. It is only a machine and thus, does only what you tell it to. Your old camera may only be doing "better" because it either does not have the resolution to see the falling snow or the computational ability to recognize it and refocus in time.


EDIT: And for you being offered tons of in camera junk youll never want; Last I checked these cameras were made by Canon. Not Lowner. They arent designed for or around you. You may not like pictbridge, but for someone trying to run a mobile studio, it may be a godsend. Is it really that annoying that its an option? Nobody is saying you HAVE to use it...

outdoorphoto.ca wrote in post #4045136
I just have never had this issue before, and am wondering if a function setting might help it.

I did try to use manual focus, but I guess I am a bit inept at it, especially on moving targets.

I believe most if not all of these when extended, as they would have been in this case are in fact a 5.6 aperature for focusing.

If I have the chance to shoot in the snow again, perhaps I can play with settings to see if anything helps

I...am wondering if a function setting might help it.

No...the AF is doing what it is intended to do...focus on what it sees...snow falling at different distances is impossible for AF to isolate as AF can't think and know what distance YOU want...

I believe most if not all of these when extended, as they would have been in this case are in fact a 5.6 aperature for focusing.

Aperture would not affect AF...it would affect how many flakes are in focus, and maybe THAT is the problem...a wider aperture would render more of them out of focus.

MF at wider apertures...keep practicing...Keep practicing...That is the only solution to this situation.

SNOW! What a dreadfull thought. You should be banned for mentioning it before December.

Maybe switching off AI Servo and using only one AF point could solve the problem.