Digital Canon Rebel... Blurry When Set To Timer?

Hello! I'm new to photography, and I have discovered a problem with my Digital Canon Rebel XSI or its settings.

When I set it to auto-timer, the pictures invariably come out COMPLETELY blurry, or nearly so, for some reason. All settings do this -- sports, non-flash, landscape -- you name it. I've tried two different lenses, same effect-- It comes out blurry, everything, in the photo.

Why is this so? The camera is situated on a very firm surface and is not shaking whatsoever, so this baffles me. I have troubleshooted -- I've set it to autofocus, as well, so it's not a problem with that.

I use a 100mm Canon Lens which makes it impossible to take self-photos while holding the camera facing me -- I need to stand back, and for that I need the timer.

Thank you to anyone who can help me.

It could be the vibration of the mirror assembly as it flips up for the exposure.

For this, go into the custom functions (C.Fn) and enable Mirror Lockup.

Are you focusing on anything specific before you set the timer?

The focus is set when you press the shutter half way, then the timer starts when you press the shutter all the way; it does not autofocus after this point so you need to set your focus before you start the timer.

You could try setting the focus mode to AI Servo but I don't think it will track on a timer.

Can you post an example with EXIF intact? What shutter speeds are these images at?

Are you focusing on something else, like the background, before stepping in front of the lens for your self-portraits? Therefore you might be out of the plane of focus?

3ntreri wrote in post #9475441
Are you focusing on anything specific before you set the timer?

The focus is set when you press the shutter half way, then the timer starts when you press the shutter all the way; it does not autofocus after this point so you need to set your focus before you start the timer.

You could try setting the focus mode to AI Servo but I don't think it will track on a timer.

This is a good tip! However, because I am taking a self photo, I am unable to see if it has focused or not on me (the subject), or the background. But in any case, it ends up so that everything, including the background, is blurred. I've tried focusing, and I've tried not focusing, but it never works out.

Anke wrote in post #9475447
Can you post an example with EXIF intact? What shutter speeds are these images at?

Are you focusing on something else, like the background, before stepping in front of the lens for your self-portraits? Therefore you might be out of the plane of focus?

I am sorry, I'm a bit of a newbie. I am not sure how to post an EXIF intact example..

Austin.Manny wrote in post #9475431
It could be the vibration of the mirror assembly as it flips up for the exposure.

For this, go into the custom functions (C.Fn) and enable Mirror Lockup.

I do not have this function. The first option in the place where c.Fn should be is "auto power off", and "file numbering" right afterward.

Buy a tripod. Or at least a sandbag.

Moofie wrote in post #9475507
This is a good tip! However, because I am taking a self photo, I am unable to see if it has focused or not on me (the subject), or the background. But in any case, it ends up so that everything, including the background, is blurred. I've tried focusing, and I've tried not focusing, but it never works out.
I am sorry, I'm a bit of a newbie. I am not sure how to post an EXIF intact example..
I do not have this function. The first option in the place where c.Fn should be is "auto power off", and "file numbering" right afterward.

you have mirror lock-up, look in the manual. But first try something easy, set the camera down in front of a book two feet away and use the kit lens with the two sec. timer, mirror locked up. If the book isn't sharp in any mode you may have a problem.

The only options I can suggest are setting something up as a placeholder where you'll be standing and focusing on that, or buying an infrared remote shutter like the Canon RC-1. I used it extensively in Cambodia for sunrise portraits of my and my wife at the temples; it maintains the half shutter focus functionality as well as the 2 sec timer option so you have time to hide the remote. Its pretty inexpensive too, I got mine for $20 at Best Buy.

have you tried setting up another object where you intend to stand/sit and focusing on that (such as a broom where you want to stand) then hit the self timer, and then quickly trade places with the broom? it might just be what another poster mentioned and the camera is focusing on the background...
...or you could invest in a cable release so the camera would focus when you were already in place

edited to add: didn't realize another member was posting nearly the same thing.

I am pretty sure your photo is just out of focus. Have a placeholder for yourself (when focusing) and see if it works better.