Canon Rebel XSI auto focus problems I was all set to order the xsi until I read the reviews about the auto focus problems. The whole reason I want a new camera is because I'm sick of the blurry pictures I'm getting with my current point and shoot camera. I will be taking most of my pictures on auto focus. (Most of the pictures I take are of active preschoolers). What should I do? Canon Rebel XSI auto focus problems I was all set to order the xsi until I read the reviews about the auto focus problems. The whole reason I want a new camera is because I'm sick of the... » Read More Canon Rebel XSI auto focus problems I was all set to order the xsi until I read the reviews about the auto focus problems. The whole reason I want a new camera is because I'm sick of the blurry pictures I'm getting with my current point and shoot camera. I will be taking most of my pictures on auto focus. (Most of the pictures I take are of active preschoolers). What should I do? « Show Less
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I have been in Photography for nearly 30 years and I can tell you that there is DEFINITELY a problem with the XSi's auto focus. I have shot over a thousand test shots with this camera and although most of them turned out looking pretty good I noticed a CONSISTENT problem with the auto-focus feature. One thong is that even if you set it to focus only on the center spot it will still occassionally focus on the area closer to you than the focus spot. Actually it is not just occasionally, but nearly every time. I have got so teed off with this persistent problem that I shoot everything that is important to me in manual focus! I have been in Photography for nearly 30 years and I can tell you that there is DEFINITELY a problem with the XSi's auto focus. I have shot over a thousand test shots with this camera and although most of them turned out looking pretty good I noticed a CONSISTENT problem with the auto-focus feature. One thong is that even if you set it to focus only on the center spot it will still occassionally focus on the area closer to you than the focus spot. Actually it is not just occasionally, but nearly every time. I have got so teed off with this persistent problem that I shoot everything that is... » Read More I have been in Photography for nearly 30 years and I can tell you that there is DEFINITELY a problem with the XSi's auto focus. I have shot over a thousand test shots with this camera and although most of them turned out looking pretty good I noticed a CONSISTENT problem with the auto-focus feature. One thong is that even if you set it to focus only on the center spot it will still occassionally focus on the area closer to you than the focus spot. Actually it is not just occasionally, but nearly every time. I have got so teed off with this persistent problem that I shoot everything that is important to me in manual focus! « Show Less
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I think you are right here. I don't believe it is a lens problem as I have see this problem across a couple of lens. I did two things that seem to make a different, the first was I completely reset all the camera setting and second thing I did was up grade the camera fireware from version 1.0. 4. to version 1.0. 9. This seems to have made a difference.
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I used a combination of used film photography books back when (the basics still haven't changed since then) but lots and lots of people seem to find the book Understanding Exposure quite helpful. Your local library also probably has a number of books on basic photography.
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Ah, yes, that's what I was looking for. Shutter speed seems a bit slow. At 300mm, you'd need a shutter speed of at least 1/500 sec to stop camera shake (assuming no IS). But your blurrier shot was at 1/320sec and the better one at 1/400sec. Plus a slower shutter speed allows more motion blurring. I'd suggest upping the ISO to 200 or 400 and shooting in TV mode for action shots like this.Also not sure what lens you're using but many of the consumer grade models are much sharper at f8 or f11.
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STOP! Do NOT order your camera from Sonic Cameras!Read the thread "Any experience with online shop Sonic Cameras?" (under "digital camera" forum) for horror stories.Personally, I only trust my camera orders either directly from Amazon.com or from B&H; Photo Video.
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This is my second Lumix and I only used it for a short while and gave it to my granddaughter. I think I had the same thing happen and fixed the flash part by playing around on the menu settings. When I got my first Panasonic about 3 years ago it was highly rated for taking fast in low lighting. I drop my small cameras alot and that took it's toll. That's why I won't pay over $150 for a camera and besides they change technology so fast. But I was disappointed in this camera because the focus is off in some of the shots. So I read new reviews and bought a Canon Power Shot ELPH340 HS this time. I am happier with the Canon but did pay more. Lee This is my second Lumix and I only used it for a short while and gave it to my granddaughter. I think I had the same thing happen and fixed the flash part by playing around on the menu settings. When I got my first Panasonic about 3 years ago it was highly rated for taking fast in low lighting. I drop my small cameras alot and that took it's toll. That's why I won't pay over $150 for a camera and besides they change technology so fast. But I was disappointed in this camera because the focus is off in some of the shots. So I read new reviews and bought a Canon Power Shot ELPH340 HS this... » Read More This is my second Lumix and I only used it for a short while and gave it to my granddaughter. I think I had the same thing happen and fixed the flash part by playing around on the menu settings. When I got my first Panasonic about 3 years ago it was highly rated for taking fast in low lighting. I drop my small cameras alot and that took it's toll. That's why I won't pay over $150 for a camera and besides they change technology so fast. But I was disappointed in this camera because the focus is off in some of the shots. So I read new reviews and bought a Canon Power Shot ELPH340 HS this time. I am happier with the Canon but did pay more. Lee « Show Less
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Yeah the biggest complaint for the SX200IS was the automatic flash every time. I'm gonna wait to see if that has been fixed in the SX210IS before I go ahead an order. Looks like a great improvement in every other area!I'm glad I held out on getting my super-zoom point and shoot! Within the last few weeks Nikon, Fujifilm, Canon, and Panasonic all announced their Spring 2010 models. There are some real good options out there!
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I personally am getting the T1i for my first DSLR. I have a film SLR and an advanced P&S; type camera that I use now. I consider myself and advanced amateur and understand how to manipulate the manual settings. The XSi and the T1i are not vastly different as far as how the menu's or controls are set up. The T1i is more advanced as far as sensor, megapixels, LCD screen resolution, and the fact that it can do video if you want it to. For the extra money, I want the T1i's extra features.
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Ok, great info as usual! I'm not going to be taking many close up "macro" type shots or shots with focused forground objects w/ blurred backgrounds to start off, and I really like the 24-105 f/4 L IS lens, would that be probobly the best "walk around" lens for the XSi then? Also, can a 2.8 lens take landscape / scenic shots where the foreground and background are both in focus? I am confused about that with the f# & lenses.The night railroading shots I posted before are a main priority and I have seen some excellent night / low light posted images under the 24-105 f/4 L IS lens here on Amazon.I have a question on the 50D kit lens quality but I'll try to post that under the 50D discussions. Thanks again for all your input. Ok, great info as usual! I'm not going to be taking many close up "macro" type shots or shots with focused forground objects w/ blurred backgrounds to start off, and I really like the 24-105 f/4 L IS lens, would that be probobly the best "walk around" lens for the XSi then? Also, can a 2.8 lens take landscape / scenic shots where the foreground and background are both in focus? I am confused about that with the f# & lenses.The night railroading shots I posted before are a main priority and I have seen some excellent night / low light... » Read More Ok, great info as usual! I'm not going to be taking many close up "macro" type shots or shots with focused forground objects w/ blurred backgrounds to start off, and I really like the 24-105 f/4 L IS lens, would that be probobly the best "walk around" lens for the XSi then? Also, can a 2.8 lens take landscape / scenic shots where the foreground and background are both in focus? I am confused about that with the f# & lenses.The night railroading shots I posted before are a main priority and I have seen some excellent night / low light posted images under the 24-105 f/4 L IS lens here on Amazon.I have a question on the 50D kit lens quality but I'll try to post that under the 50D discussions. Thanks again for all your input. « Show Less
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Can you tell me about the results? I still haven't done the actual ordering, I'm still researching. I want to make sure I get a good camera. I have a Canon PowerShot and I'm happy with the pictures. That's why I wanted to stick with a brand I was familiar with.
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When I bought my digital camera, I had several lenses that would attach to the camera but not all of them functioned properly. I think manual focus lenses may be confusing since a lot of the camera's capability won't work.
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Did not try any action shots. Did not even pass my first test for Auto Focus and what also to expect? I would recommend DSLR for good multiple action shots. Always dependable.
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I am having issues with auto focus inside and out. Inside it will occur on most settings and outside it happens a lot in manual when I am trying to shoot macros but it happens in other settings as well. Can't figure out if it's something I'm doing or if there is something wrong with this particular camera but it is becoming incredibly frustrating. Any thoughts?
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You need to use auto focus if you don't want to manually focus in and out on close ups or long distance shots. It sounds like you zoomed to fast and it couldn't adjust fast enough or you have it set to some weird manual setting. This happened to me that's why I am trying to offer advice.
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Didn't know the D90 allowed for zooming while recording, thanks for the info. Here is a site I found that is very helpful about the Xsi, there are also rebates posted there for a lot of the lenses.www.learnslr.comI did end up purchasing the Xsi, with all the extra money I saved, I also bought the battery grip, which makes the camera much more comfortable for my larger hands. Next I will purchase a wide angle lens.
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I think you'll really enjoy the larger LCD as well as the zippier and better overall performance of the new Rebels. The 50-100% increase in pixel count will let you crop much more aggressively and print larger. There are tons of new features that you might find useful such as Live View for framing a shot and Auto Lighting Optimizer. Try one out in a shop - I think you'll be very pleased. And prices also are pretty good right now. If you're shooting portraits with fast lenses and narrow DoFs, if you're interested in bringing out shadow details, if you shoot RAW then definitely Xsi higher consideration than the XS.
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I bought the Xsi and then took it back and got the D90. All I can say is that, although I liked the Xsi, i am super happy with my decision to get the D90. I can't think of a better balance of quality and price. I shot my first wedding this weekend and the pictures were phenomenal. Good luck.
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I am also VERY frustrated with this. Many of my pictures are coming out blurry despite holding the button half way down to focus before firing. The manual is mute on the subject. I just called Canon and they were basically no help---just said to make sure the flash was up when firing inside. I have the SD card in that it came with. Any other ideas??Thanks!!!!!!
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M. Medina, so sorry to hear of your xsi having an error 99. It is my understanding that error 99 is a fatal error with multiple causes. One suggestion I have read was to take the battery out for at least 5 mins and the restart the camera. If this doesn't reboot the camera then it is probably a fatal error. In my personal experience my error 99 was because of my shutter leaflets getting out of alignment. To see if this is your issue take your Lens off and VERY gently lift the mirror-DO NOT FORCE IT UP IF IT WONT MOVE - once u lift the mirror U will see the shutter leafs, they should be layered and lying flat. If they are not flat and even that is the cause of your Error 99. U MAY be able to flick them back into alignment, but be Very Very gentle as not to bend then. If your shutter is bad good luck in getting it proffessionally fixed. I was unable to fix mine for a reasonable price. I am purchasing a new camera as you read this. I hope this helps and I wish you the best if luck.
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Helen, did you buy your canon xs from them? I am looking at them for the same. Would be interested in knowing how your experience was.
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Good news, guys. I called Fujifilm and they're sending me a new lenscap. Turns out the girl I spoke to in the Parts Department had the same camera and knew of the problem firsthand. The camera is awesome, but I'd advise getting rechargeable batteries, because it drinks juice.