Canon Rebel XSI auto focus problems: What should I do?
674740
new mom- The number of highly positive reviews vastly outnumber the negative reviews mentioning "auto-focus problems" here at Amazon. And you don't see this "problem" ever mentioned in professional reviews of the camera. I strongly suspect the "auto-focus problems" you're referring to are actually caused by a very common beginner's mistake. The Xsi has 9 independent auto-focus points available. The full auto mode which beginners are likely to start out with will use all 9 points at the same time. What this means is that the camera will end up picking the auto-focus point or points which present the camera with the best contrast for determining correct focus. The focus points the camera selects, however, aren't necessarily the best ones for the photographer because the camera doesn't really know what part of the scene is the subject and what parts are the background. The proper technique is to not use FULL auto mode but one of the other modes - P, Av, Tv or M - and to manually (pre)select ONE auto-focus point. Generally, you'll pick either the center point or the one focus point closest to your actual subject in the frame. Many photographers will use a "focus and recompose" method where they auto-focus on the subject using just the center focus point and, while still half pressing the shutter release button, reframe the scene as desired. This works very well in most cases (although there are exceptions where recomposing can cause the focus to shift too much in some fairly specific cases but this is a matter of geometry and not camera design). I believe with the proper techniques, you'll find the Xsi can focus VERY accurately and give you quite professional looking results. P.S. - Shooting active preschoolers can be a bit of a challenge in itself but I'll leave that discussion for another day. :)
621437
I don't think so, I've been manually focusing since the day I started using it.....My suggestion, go to photography store and ask them WHICH adapters allow autofocusing...
520952
Same trouble I had with mine right out of the box... requires Canon service and likely replacement. The electronic lenses are very flimsy and the slightest bit of dirt will ruin them.
142360
For what it's worth, I'm throwing my hat in the ring here. After 3 years, my Canon SD850IS will not focus correctly.
1551386
Owner's manual doesn't address these issues. Suggest you go to the Canon website.
1810682
Dear Karen:Thank you for your reply. I have also contacted Canon. They were going to send me to the nearest service center, until I told them about your feedback with the same problem. Thanks for your help. I have received my refurbished replacement. I hope this one will stay function. Jeannette
804333
Good question! Go into the settings and adjust the flash to Auto, check other settings and adjust accordingly this may be a try and adjust type mine came out of the box shooting good pictures of good quality
2236843
Did the focus lock? Make sure focus sensor is on something it can grab. Try manual focus to test mechanism.
1242222
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.
1868331
Exactly, I have the same experience. Once the lens focusing is a bit stiffer then the follow focus jumps up and down.The only solution is to replace this follow focus with the one without the quick release, as I did and I am quite satisfied now:Fotga upgrade DP500IIS dampen follow focus with A/B hard stop for DSLR CameraFotga upgrade DP500IIS dampen follow focus with A/B hard stop for DSLR Camera
220774
I have the same problem with the autofocus for video recording (even when set to "Full AF"). It occurs mostly during zooming in and not as much when zooming out. Sometimes, after zooming in, it will lose the focus and then regain it or not at all at times. This problem has occurred in bright light and sun outdoors and indoors in decent and dim light.It's too bad since the quality (color and clarity) seems excellent.
250135
I'm having this issue, too. Camera seems to get confused and the whole frame becomes blurry rather than focusing on the one object. It takes several attempts to register what I'm trying to do, and then it's too late - opportunity has passed and subject has moved. Time to really study my manual I guess or maybe this is a shortcoming with this camera.
1865430
Sorry... Try taking out camera AA batteries and using fresh, new ones.If it doesn't work, get a new SDHC memory card of a well-known maker (Sandisk or similar).If nothing of the above works on restarting your camera, you'll have to send your camera to Canon Authorized Service shop... Sorry.
9112
I would contact the Canon company . I have used them in the past and they were very helpful. Good luck, Fran
1477872
The first thing to do is read your manual. I haven't had this problem. I use some flash at night and some fill in flash in the day, depending on the subject matter. I use the auto mode a lot....but you may want to experiment with going in and changing you settings, and possibly your ISO settings. Again, I can only suggest studying your manual.
1751157
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!!!!!!
487368
I have a Canon, and didn't have a problem. Maybe try googling your problem, someone probably has a solution already out there.