Camera auto-focus and sharpness

Hi,

I was wondering if there is a way to tell if my auto-focus is off on my camera without testing it with the use of a tripod. I'm just curious and I over worry at times but it seems that my images haven't been coming out quite as sharp lately. Could just be me, it's been a long semester full of caffeine.

Thanks for your advice

Certainly, just set up some items (AA batteries) at an angle with camera set solid on a counter top. Make sure the minimum lens distance is noted, use a large Aperture and fast shutter speed as possible while focusing on one of the predetermined batteries. Might wanna apply a small amount of hand pressure to the camera body also.

That'll give you a pretty good estimate if it is actually off.

deming wrote in post #7843459
Hi,

I was wondering if there is a way to tell if my auto-focus is off on my camera without testing it with the use of a tripod. I'm just curious and I over worry at times but it seems that my images haven't been coming out quite as sharp lately. Could just be me, it's been a long semester full of caffeine.

Thanks for your advice

I'm sorry, but are you asking if you can test how your camera works without testing it? Really?

I guess the answer would be, no. The only way to test it is to set up a test and see what it does. If you think the problem might be you, the test must not have you as a variable.

It will wobble just a bit when pressing the shutter button so putting it on a 2 sec or 10 sec timer can also help. But if the shutter speed is fast enough to begin with it might not matter.

elitejp wrote in post #7843515
It will wobble just a bit when pressing the shutter button so putting it on a 2 sec or 10 sec timer can also help. But if the shutter speed is fast enough to begin with it might not matter.

That too on the self timer, I left that part out ...

rral22 wrote in post #7843513
I'm sorry, but are you asking if you can test how your camera works without testing it? Really?

I guess the answer would be, no. The only way to test it is to set up a test and see what it does. If you think the problem might be you, the test must not have you as a variable.

Why is everyone so negative all the time.
Tsmith gives a great response "it will give you a pretty good estimate"
The OP obviously doesnt have a tripod to use in the test and is looking for a way to do it without a tripod. I guess if you really want to make sure it is done properly your best off sending it to Canon

Thanks guys, good solutions. I wish I thought of them.
I will try them out on Monday or Tuesday morning and let you know how the results go.
I suppose I should try all my lenses on the camera as well.

I'll keep you posted

I'd like to add, be sure to test different distances. I took several photos at some gardens a few days ago, and I noticed my close-in shots were very nice, but anything a few dozen feet or further away turned out awful, so today I'm running my own tests with my three lenses (18-55 IS, 55-250 IS, and the 50mm f/1.8). So far, I'm definitely seeing dreadfully poor results on my wide lens for anything further out.

Good luck.