denial of autofocus problem

[TomCee]

Stephen DeNagy wrote:
Steve,

it is a nice moment you have catched there, but it is hardly a recommodation for the auto-focus system. Manually focussing I could have done a better job, and I did many times. That doesn't make you a bod photographer, or me a good one, but it's no use presenting out of focus pictures to proof the AF system was doing a great job.

--



Regards,
Tom

http://clik.to/tomcee
Canon 300D FAQ: http://www.marius.org/fom-serve/cache/3.html

 

[Wild-Mike]

Not sure why it posted, looks like I pressed reply to message twice.

Anyway, I am not saying you don't have issues with the camera and in comparing it with P&S you feel that was more consistent. I was looking through some of my origional photos from my S45 and found more inconsistent exposures, etc. with that camera than the 300D.

I plan to keep the Rebel till some advancements in DSLR make it worth updating. The camera functions fine for my requirements ...that's not to say there isn't a bad shot taken at times but after looking through my S45 pics I have to say there are issues with P&S too.

Mike T

Some members of this forum deny 300D autofocus problem. I want to
make simple clear case upon just one problem - autofocus, recompose
in 300D in creative Av or Tv mode. Here we go:

• 300D is $1000 camera
• $1000 cameras should allow people to be creative with their tool,

so 300D has creative modes - like Av and Tv.

• creative modes, like Av and Tv, allow you to control DOF, shoot

in RAW, adjust ISO...

• one of the first thing you learn about taking pictures is to

avoid putting your subject in dead center of the frame.

• focus-recompose is one of the basic functions in creative

photography and technique to avoid putting subject in center of
frame.

• to be able to reliably focus on desired spot you have to know

where camera will focus so we will use center AF spot.

• to reliably focus-recompose:
• frame your target-spot in center of frame
• half-press shutter button and lock focus on target spot
• recompose your picture
• press shutter button all the way down

This is basic of the basic technique in taking pictures. I have
problem with this technique with my 300D. Half of the time I have
pictures that are out of the focus because AI Servo will kick in
and change focus.

Anybody think that Canon made $1000 camera that cannot do
focus-recompose?

Anybody think that Canon deliberately put such a limitation in
their camera?

I think it's a bug - huge one and IMHO Canon must respond -
ignorance wont help since this problem is here to stay until is
solved..

Darko

PS
I respect this site and my decision to buy 300D was mainly based
upon 300D review from this site. I would like to hear from Phil
about this problem since I didn't find anything about it in his
review.

--
300D Gallery:
http://tkis.com/wild-mike/

Boat Party Pics:
http://wnyboaters.com/

Whoever undertakes to set himself up as judge in the field of truth
and knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the Gods. -- Albert
Einstein

--
300D Gallery:
http://tkis.com/wild-mike/

Boat Party Pics:
http://wnyboaters.com/

Whoever undertakes to set himself up as judge in the field of truth and knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the Gods. -- Albert Einstein

 

[Wild-Mike]

That doesn't make sense, if your camera doesn't function like most others why not simply send it to Canon for repair?

How can Canon fix your problem with a letter?

but it won't lock focus all the time and if you have a nice
contrasty L lens it seems to make it worse or it could be the 400mm
focal length, my kit lens works better for recomposing, I'm not
going to waste anymore time arguing with people who can't see the
problem or don't experience the problem, i'm simply going to right
to canon at this address and recommend everyone else do the same.
If you don't experience this problem and would like to, just buy a
$1,000 400mm f5.6L.

Mr. Kinya Uchida
President CEO
Canon U.S.A. Inc.
One Canon Plaza
Lake Success, NY 11042

May not solve anything, but to not try would be stupid.

the camera still takes great pics despite this flaw. here's one i
shot today, my first raw pic

Not to mention FTM lenses won't work with the rebel.

--
300D Gallery:
http://tkis.com/wild-mike/

Boat Party Pics:
http://wnyboaters.com/

Whoever undertakes to set himself up as judge in the field of truth and knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the Gods. -- Albert Einstein

 

[Todd B.]

.....but I enjoy my camera. It works pretty good to me. The images look very clear and sharp. I don't have focus issues other than me once in a while. I haven't had 14 cameras and haven't been doing this for 20 yrs. I do know that I had a G3 which I thought was pretty good. I prefer this over my G3 by a long shot. It also didn't cost me an arm and a leg compared to other DSLRs.

Todd

--
http://www.pbase.com/blade35

 

[MikeD]

We can come up with all the workarounds in the world, but if don't let Canon know we want some of these issues fixed, we'll never get to a solution, and all the workarounds will become accepted practice.

Mike

MartinM2 wrote:

Yes, in many cases this, and other tricks (like using the DOF
preview button) can be used as workarounds. Ant the servo kiccking
is not much of a problem to me, the opposite is, it will not kick
in when I want it to.
But the main reason for me responding to these threads is that
there are people here constantly denying that there can be a
problem. Those people make all these discussions overheated and
don't contribute a single penny to a solution.

--



Regards,
Tom

http://clik.to/tomcee
Canon 300D FAQ: http://www.marius.org/fom-serve/cache/3.html

 

[james j cash]

PearlRider mode on:
How do you KNOW this? Aren't you just ASSuming this?
PearlRider mode off:

Seriously, has ANYBODY sent back the camera for this issue and had
it "fixed" yet?

Well I look at it like this.

1. If there is a major problem, Canon will repair or add firmwear, no question. Theres probably 200,000 cameras on the street now, they should know. wouldn't you think

2. If there isn't a problem and its operator error the people that cant LEARN how the camera works willl sell it and that will resolve that.
3. I have no problem WHATSOEVER with the way the camera works, it works for ME

4. One other possibility is that some cameras/ OR operators may be more/less sensitive to the 1/2 position of the shutter button. They may be adding and releasing pressure, activating auto focus on and off. Jim

You are correct, I have read the threads by many for weeks, there
may be some that have a defective camera, Canon will fix it.

--
http://www.outboundmusic.com
Your link to independent music!

--

My first language is English, my second is, trying to get the first one right. Photography is a reflection of the heart and mind. JJC

 

[Neil Walker]

PaulyOly wrote:
...

If you don't experience this problem and would like to, just buy a
$1,000 400mm f5.6L.

....

the camera still takes great pics despite this flaw. here's one i
shot today, my first raw pic

Let me get this straight... you've bought a $1000+, professional quality lens, to go with your bottom-of-the-line DSLR... and you've never shot in RAW before? And if you're not lying then since that is your first RAW pic you figured you needed the L glass BEFORE you even bothered trying to shoot in RAW?

I seem to recall something about someone and their money being parted in a big hurry....

 

[Darko Juvan]

I'm still in denial about the specific auto focus problem you are
talking about, namely the camera switch over to AI Servo when doing
the focus lock and recompose.

I haven't experienced this problem. This is based on my experience
and given what I've being doing with this camera.

I'm not saying you're lying, but, let's try to figure this out.
Here's some questions:

1. Is this problem repeatable for you? If so, can you go to
another 300D body like one at a camera store and get the same
results?

• absolutely

2. Could it be due to user error or something can be avoided with a
change in technique?

• no, too many people have the same issue

3. Could be during some unusual set of conditions that most of us
aren't using? This would explain how few people are having this
problem.

• I don't have impression that few people have this problem, I would rather said that a lot of people are not aware of this problem yet.

4. Does the 300D suffer from significant quality issues? After all
they are bult in Taiwan using presumably cheaper parts and possibly
with lower quality standards.

• That is possibility but I doubt that is the problem here.

5. Can someone come up with a set of tests we can all do? More
data would be good. If nothing else, ideally we should all be
testing all the equipment we buy within the return period as
thoroughly as we can. It's easy to calibrate A/V equipment. How
to do the same for photo equipment without a test lab setup like
what is used in Phil's reviews.

6. For more test data, can we draw on the experiences of 10D
owners? To do so, we need to be able to say that the AF system,
sensor, DIGIC chip, etc., of the 300D behaves the same way as the
10D's.

Should we take a poll of all readers in this forum? If we get
enough responses, that could go a long way towards resolving denial
or to at least talk to problems with the camera or camera's build
quality.

• Interesting suggestions. I would support anything which would lead to resolution of this problem. The more I think about this issue the more looks to me like just bad design from Canon side. They made $1000 camera that I cannot reliably depend on - that's bad for me and that's bad for Canon too. I cannot and will not recommend 300D until they solve this issue and probably I'll sell mine. Still hope that this can be solved just by firmware options disabling automatic switching to AI Servo. Hope Canon will do that a spare us of all this arguments and bad publicity for 300D.

• Marcos

Some members of this forum deny 300D autofocus problem. I want to
make simple clear case upon just one problem - autofocus, recompose
in 300D in creative Av or Tv mode. Here we go:

• 300D is $1000 camera
• $1000 cameras should allow people to be creative with their tool,

so 300D has creative modes - like Av and Tv.

• creative modes, like Av and Tv, allow you to control DOF, shoot

in RAW, adjust ISO...

• one of the first thing you learn about taking pictures is to

avoid putting your subject in dead center of the frame.

• focus-recompose is one of the basic functions in creative

photography and technique to avoid putting subject in center of
frame.

• to be able to reliably focus on desired spot you have to know

where camera will focus so we will use center AF spot.

• to reliably focus-recompose:
• frame your target-spot in center of frame
• half-press shutter button and lock focus on target spot
• recompose your picture
• press shutter button all the way down

This is basic of the basic technique in taking pictures. I have
problem with this technique with my 300D. Half of the time I have
pictures that are out of the focus because AI Servo will kick in
and change focus.

Anybody think that Canon made $1000 camera that cannot do
focus-recompose?

Anybody think that Canon deliberately put such a limitation in
their camera?

I think it's a bug - huge one and IMHO Canon must respond -
ignorance wont help since this problem is here to stay until is
solved..

Darko

PS
I respect this site and my decision to buy 300D was mainly based
upon 300D review from this site. I would like to hear from Phil
about this problem since I didn't find anything about it in his
review.

 

[PaulyOly]

If you don't experience this problem and would like to, just buy a
$1,000 400mm f5.6L.

....

the camera still takes great pics despite this flaw. here's one i
shot today, my first raw pic

Let me get this straight... you've bought a $1000+, professional
quality lens, to go with your bottom-of-the-line DSLR... and you've
never shot in RAW before? And if you're not lying then since that
is your first RAW pic you figured you needed the L glass BEFORE you
even bothered trying to shoot in RAW?

I seem to recall something about someone and their money being
parted in a big hurry....

What is it you think i'm lying about? I think if you check there aren't many 400mm lense out there to choose from, I couldn't find any great pics taken with the competitions 400mm lenses, so yes i need the canon's 400mm lens(great lens by the way). I tried the sigma 50-500, but didn't like the lens due to size and sharpness/color fringing, not to mention at 500mm the AI servo started all the time, which is why i feel longer focal length lense make it worse. Your post really doesn't make any sense if you re-read it and why my post upset you is unclear to me. You say i figured i need L glass before i shot in raw, what are you asking here? I wanted 400mm, sharp and a lens that was easily compatible with the rebel, i didn't figure anything, i knew i needed a 400mm lens for wildlife/bird photography. If that isn't clear enough for you, please let me know.

 

[PaulyOly]

How can Canon fix your problem with a letter?

but it won't lock focus all the time and if you have a nice
contrasty L lens it seems to make it worse or it could be the 400mm
focal length, my kit lens works better for recomposing, I'm not
going to waste anymore time arguing with people who can't see the
problem or don't experience the problem, i'm simply going to right
to canon at this address and recommend everyone else do the same.
If you don't experience this problem and would like to, just buy a
$1,000 400mm f5.6L.

Mr. Kinya Uchida
President CEO
Canon U.S.A. Inc.
One Canon Plaza
Lake Success, NY 11042

May not solve anything, but to not try would be stupid.

the camera still takes great pics despite this flaw. here's one i
shot today, my first raw pic

Not to mention FTM lenses won't work with the rebel.

--
300D Gallery:
http://tkis.com/wild-mike/

Boat Party Pics:
http://wnyboaters.com/

Whoever undertakes to set himself up as judge in the field of truth
and knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the Gods. -- Albert
Einstein

I feel my camera functions like everyone elses, i've said many times that i have to try to get the camera to faulter with the kit lens, but with the 400mm lens it happens more often. It was even worse with the 500mm sigma i had. If your camera never switches to AI servo after focus lock then good for you.

 

[TomCee]

Neil Walker wrote:
Neil,

I don't blame you for not knowing all in photography, probally you know a lot more about it than I do. But don't you think it bold for someone who asks questions like this: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1031&message=6875978 to write such an agressive post to someone who obviously knows what he wants and bought the lens for that??

--



Regards,
Tom

http://clik.to/tomcee
Canon 300D FAQ: http://www.marius.org/fom-serve/cache/3.html

 

[Paul Worden]

But those who have trouble preventing the camera entering AI servo > mode are finding that the camera locks onto the scene immediately > behind the selected focus point(s) and continues to track or
remain "locked-onto" whatever lies in that direction..................

I hadn't considered that David. I assume and operate on the principle that focus lock occurs when the green indicator stays on.

If the camera is still sensing changes in focus WHILE you press the button and then won't lock, maybe there is a problem and I'm worng wrong SOB wrong.....

I have been testing on static subjects (except for the running around AFTER AF lock.

To others that have disagreed with me (and you've been very polite ) - I concede that the issue is complex and there may be factors operating peculiar to individuals - including maybe issues with firmware and possibly dud cameras.

Don't misunderstand my viewpoint. I'd much rather there was a movement ON/OFF option. The one that's readily available is called Manual Focus....

For me, it's not an issue - (for me) the camera works the way it's designed too and at the price, I'm not complaining.

It's ONLY due to posts in this Forum that I've understood anything at all about the way the multi AF works.

--
Paul Worden

 

[Dan57]

Dan wrote:

I might have the AI-Servo kick in if I lock focus in a Creative Mode (on any active focus point) and then move the camera VERY FAST when I recompose. It does not always kick in if I do this, but sometimes it does. I did this "on purpose" to see what would happen, and it took me several tries to activate the AI Servo. However, if I move the camera at a "normal" speed when I recompose, the AI Servo NEVER kicks in. I have had the camera about a month and have taken many recomposed photos in a Creative Mode.

 

[Dr. Don Sandell]

Some members of this forum deny 300D autofocus problem. I want to
make simple clear case upon just one problem - autofocus, recompose
in 300D in creative Av or Tv mode. Here we go:

• 300D is $1000 camera
• $1000 cameras should allow people to be creative with their tool,

so 300D has creative modes - like Av and Tv.

• creative modes, like Av and Tv, allow you to control DOF, shoot

in RAW, adjust ISO...

• one of the first thing you learn about taking pictures is to

avoid putting your subject in dead center of the frame.

• focus-recompose is one of the basic functions in creative

photography and technique to avoid putting subject in center of
frame.

• to be able to reliably focus on desired spot you have to know

where camera will focus so we will use center AF spot.

• to reliably focus-recompose:
• frame your target-spot in center of frame
• half-press shutter button and lock focus on target spot
• recompose your picture
• press shutter button all the way down

This is basic of the basic technique in taking pictures. I have
problem with this technique with my 300D. Half of the time I have
pictures that are out of the focus because AI Servo will kick in
and change focus.

Anybody think that Canon made $1000 camera that cannot do
focus-recompose?

Anybody think that Canon deliberately put such a limitation in
their camera?

I think it's a bug - huge one and IMHO Canon must respond -
ignorance wont help since this problem is here to stay until is
solved..

Darko

PS
I respect this site and my decision to buy 300D was mainly based
upon 300D review from this site. I would like to hear from Phil
about this problem since I didn't find anything about it in his
review.

Jesus Christ, another bitcher and moaner who doesn't know how to use the camera.

 

[TomCee]

Dr. Don Sandell wrote:
now now, doc, you promised to behave!!!

--



Regards,
Tom

http://clik.to/tomcee
Canon 300D FAQ: http://www.marius.org/fom-serve/cache/3.html

 

[Gary Tuck]

After some testing it seems if my AI servo kicks in more frequently when using all 7 focus points rather than just the central point--my default. Secondly, it seems that when using the central point I can easily focus, lock and recompose and the AI servo does not kick in, even if I move back and forth so my subject is very out of focus--if I do all of that within a fairly short time--7-10 seconds. After that time, the AI servo may try to focus again.

Hardly adding any wisdom here, just another experience.

28-105 USM II
firmware 1.1.1

 

[Wild-Mike]

I must have miss-interpreted your post. Have you emailed Canon's support staff to see what they say? I mean it's worth a try.

It might make more sense to have everyone send in their camera and indicate the problems that the camera is experiencing ...and if there isn't Canon will have no choice but to update firmware to avoid losses in their service centers.

I don't have the answers, but if I was having problems I would send the camera in. BTW, I have an L lens, the 17-40mm and there is no problem with focus lock and then re-composing with that lens. I have the sigma 135-400mm and I haven't noticed any problems with that lens but I haven't used it much either.

Hope this all gets sorted out for everyone.

Regards,
Mike

I feel my camera functions like everyone elses, i've said many
times that i have to try to get the camera to faulter with the kit
lens, but with the 400mm lens it happens more often. It was even
worse with the 500mm sigma i had. If your camera never switches to
AI servo after focus lock then good for you.

--
300D Gallery:
http://tkis.com/wild-mike/

Boat Party Pics:
http://wnyboaters.com/

Whoever undertakes to set himself up as judge in the field of truth and knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the Gods. -- Albert Einstein

 

[Wild-Mike]

Dr. Don Sandell wrote:

now now, doc, you promised to behave!!!

--



Regards,
Tom

http://clik.to/tomcee
Canon 300D FAQ: http://www.marius.org/fom-serve/cache/3.html

--
300D Gallery:
http://tkis.com/wild-mike/

Boat Party Pics:
http://wnyboaters.com/

Whoever undertakes to set himself up as judge in the field of truth and knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the Gods. -- Albert Einstein

 

[TomCee]

Hi Gary,

it's good for you if it's working for you, but don't you think the servo has to come in quick when it senses the subject getting out of focus. Isn't that what it is supposed to do?

--



Regards,
Tom

http://clik.to/tomcee
Canon 300D FAQ: http://www.marius.org/fom-serve/cache/3.html

 

[Gary Tuck]

I would think so, but seems kinda hard to have it both ways--stay in focus when you recompose by moving the camera and auto focus if the subject moves. How would the camera know the difference?. Now I'm very much the newbie here so please excuse the question.

Hi Gary,
it's good for you if it's working for you, but don't you think the
servo has to come in quick when it senses the subject getting out
of focus. Isn't that what it is supposed to do?

--



Regards,
Tom

http://clik.to/tomcee
Canon 300D FAQ: http://www.marius.org/fom-serve/cache/3.html

--
Gary