... this picture also shows the faulty focus. the focus on this one was meant to be on the autofocus/manual focus switch. Not the rim of the lens.
This picture and the comment below it is indicative of a very common user problem. The autofocus system always gravitates towards high-contrast edges in the foreground. The areas of contrast in that little switch are almost non-existent as compared to that big sharp edge on the front rim on the lens. Also, as previously stated, the autofocus points are actually MUCH larger than the little red dots in the viewfinder. Wouldn't it be nice if the actual sensitive area of the AF point was equal do that little red square. However, it's NOT. If you want to see how big it actually is, set your camera to use only the center AF point, and point your camera up at a clear blue sky. Chances are it won't focus because there's nothing with contrast to lock on to. Now, holding down the shutter half-way, slowly pan down towards something with some contrast, maybe a tree or the moon. As you get close to that object, your focus will suddenly lock in. Pan away, and slowly back until you can see exactly where it starts to detect the contrasting edge. I think you will be shocked at how far away the edge is from the focus point. As I said, it's sensitive area is MUCH larger than you think. This most likely accounts for the perceived focus problems you're seeing.
Categorizing focus problems is a non-trivial effort and must be done on a tripod. Google "focus tests" to get some ideas, or I can give you some. I'm a bit of a pixel peeper, and have spent a lot of time devising focus tests and testing my equipment. Based on my findings, I did in fact send back some equipment for warranty calibration.
I built my own test jig, but there are now commercial test jigs you can by. Also, the tests can be done with little more than just a ruler. The efforts will not only characterize any focus problems you may have, but will also cause you to become much more familiar with your equipment.
Looking at that and reading Pindy's reply reminds me of the episode of Lost where they found all those journals that were written and swooshed up to only be unread.
On topic. Find the receipt and try to see if you can get your current one replaced.
The person that sold it to me said I give them my camera and they give me a brand spankin new one. I paid $200 for the warranty so they better let me. And if I can't find the reciept they keep it saved so I should be able to do it even without it.
The person that sold it to me said I give them my camera and they give me a brand spankin new one. I paid $200 for the warranty so they better let me. And if I can't find the reciept they keep it saved so I should be able to do it even without it.
And then you will have a new camera that you cannot operate correctly!
Let's see, so far you have said you read the manual - but you dont know how custom functions work. You shoot in burst mode, but complain when the camera correctly adjusts. You focus in a dark room at a low contrast item, with a slow shuttter speed, without a tripod and wonder why its blurry. You have low grade lenses, but expect superior results - and its all Canon's fault!
Sure, Nikon has an auto feature exactly for that.......on the D3X!
Theres a difference between sarcasm and being an ass.
I know how the custom functions work, just not all of them. You can ask anybody if they know EXACTLY what EVERY SINGLE FRICKEN custom function does, and MAYBE just maybe you might find 1 person that MIGHT know everything. If thats you, then good for you I dont care.
You give me a fight, I'm not afraid to fight back.
Now that I'm done ranting.
:whip
I've looked everywhere in my house, and I can't find the reciept, but Best Buy has been pretty good about no reciept in the past, cause they can look it up.
Now, do you think they would let me return it, and pay a little extra to get the 50D? that would be cool. I doubt it, but it would be cool.
oh, well that one post... the upset part was aimed at that Telephoto guy. Is he a BB guy? idk I like best buy, I'm a silver rewards zone member... aka I spend hella monies there.
Comments
This picture and the comment below it is indicative of a very common user problem. The autofocus system always gravitates towards high-contrast edges in the foreground. The areas of contrast in that little switch are almost non-existent as compared to that big sharp edge on the front rim on the lens. Also, as previously stated, the autofocus points are actually MUCH larger than the little red dots in the viewfinder. Wouldn't it be nice if the actual sensitive area of the AF point was equal do that little red square. However, it's NOT. If you want to see how big it actually is, set your camera to use only the center AF point, and point your camera up at a clear blue sky. Chances are it won't focus because there's nothing with contrast to lock on to. Now, holding down the shutter half-way, slowly pan down towards something with some contrast, maybe a tree or the moon. As you get close to that object, your focus will suddenly lock in. Pan away, and slowly back until you can see exactly where it starts to detect the contrasting edge. I think you will be shocked at how far away the edge is from the focus point. As I said, it's sensitive area is MUCH larger than you think. This most likely accounts for the perceived focus problems you're seeing.
Categorizing focus problems is a non-trivial effort and must be done on a tripod. Google "focus tests" to get some ideas, or I can give you some. I'm a bit of a pixel peeper, and have spent a lot of time devising focus tests and testing my equipment. Based on my findings, I did in fact send back some equipment for warranty calibration.
I built my own test jig, but there are now commercial test jigs you can by. Also, the tests can be done with little more than just a ruler. The efforts will not only characterize any focus problems you may have, but will also cause you to become much more familiar with your equipment.
regards,
-joel
Link to my Smugmug site
On topic. Find the receipt and try to see if you can get your current one replaced.
www.tednghiem.com
Actually, that was the basement shop I built when we lived in NY. We moved to AZ a couple of years ago, and I've been without a shop since. :cry
Link to my Smugmug site
And then you will have a new camera that you cannot operate correctly!
Let's see, so far you have said you read the manual - but you dont know how custom functions work. You shoot in burst mode, but complain when the camera correctly adjusts. You focus in a dark room at a low contrast item, with a slow shuttter speed, without a tripod and wonder why its blurry. You have low grade lenses, but expect superior results - and its all Canon's fault!
Sure, Nikon has an auto feature exactly for that.......on the D3X!
(Do you have $10K floating around?)
Well, you said you invited scarcasm............
Tele....
They should have your info, Jeremy. But just in case they give you trouble, look for your receipt.
www.tednghiem.com
Theres a difference between sarcasm and being an ass.
I know how the custom functions work, just not all of them. You can ask anybody if they know EXACTLY what EVERY SINGLE FRICKEN custom function does, and MAYBE just maybe you might find 1 person that MIGHT know everything. If thats you, then good for you I dont care.
You give me a fight, I'm not afraid to fight back.
Now that I'm done ranting.
:whip
I've looked everywhere in my house, and I can't find the reciept, but Best Buy has been pretty good about no reciept in the past, cause they can look it up.
Now, do you think they would let me return it, and pay a little extra to get the 50D? that would be cool. I doubt it, but it would be cool.
All photos are Copyrighted and Registered. Please don't use without permission.
5DSR 16-35 2.8L III 24-70 2.8L II 70-200 2.8L IS II
If Jeremy doesn't think my post was funny I'll apologize.
But, I think he'll appreciate the humor.
All photos are Copyrighted and Registered. Please don't use without permission.
5DSR 16-35 2.8L III 24-70 2.8L II 70-200 2.8L IS II
I'm trying to figure out what BB counter guy means... I'm sure I will think its funny as soon as thats cleared up.
www.tednghiem.com
yep
All photos are Copyrighted and Registered. Please don't use without permission.
5DSR 16-35 2.8L III 24-70 2.8L II 70-200 2.8L IS II
I used to be one!
www.tednghiem.com