Canon T5i Focus issues

JoelR wrote:

See four samples below.

The first photo was taken in live mode and all photos taken in Raw and converted to JPEG. All comments are welcome.

Looks like the AF is working well under controlled conditions (both modes).

I would suggest using a single AF point at all times. AF on the eyes if you are shooting people.

If you are shooting inanimate objects, pick a good contrasty AF target.

If you are shooting a scenic, pick a focal point 1/3 of the way into the scene (for max depth of field).

Give the AF enough time to work.  Keep in mind that the actual AF zone is larger than the square in the viewfinder.

If you focus and recompose, then make sure the focus is already locked.

Remember that using all AF points will produce a high percentage of AF failures. The camera does not know what it is pointing at.  Make the camera focus on what you want it to focus on.

Keep your shutter speed up.  Use a good grip.  I noticed some camera shake present in a couple of the earlier images that were posted.  Image Stabilization will help, but it's not a cure.

If it's an important image, shoot several frames.  Refocus for each.

Myself, I like to shoot bursts when the shutter speed is slow.  There will always be one that's sharper out of the bunch.

Go out and shoot everything in sight.  Gain some confidence.  My own experience with the T4i (the T5i's evil older twin) is that the camera is an extremely capable focuser.  If you still are not getting excellent results, then check with Canon for repair/replacement.

Good luck,

R2