Help on 50D

[kellyLynne]

Ive just made the switch from Olympus to the Canon 50d, and i can tell you im about ready to throw it in the River. IMages are blurry, and the ones that arent are not crisp.....im getting like, 5 usable images out of 200. I know its not the camera. IF anyone knows anything about canons and would be willing to give me some advice, please...PLEASE email me, lol...im so frustrated.

[athegn]

It is best not to send emails, but use the forum posting themselves for replies, because it may be helpful to others using this forum to see replies which might help them with similar problems

I have not got the 50D; I have the 450D.

In Zoombrowser, version 6.1.1 and I assume later versions, there is a switch when I right click on an image, RAW or Jpg, which opens the Image Viewer.

Under View >; Show Auto Focus Points

I can see which of the nine autofocus points the camera has used for that image.

I you try this is the image in focus at the image focus point the camera has used?

BTW I only use the single point autofocus selection; having all nine on means my camera chooses the closest object to focus on.

The Image Viewer also has a function:-

View > Show Shooting Information

One piece of useful info. is the Aperture Value if the aperture is wide i.e. a low number like 4.5 rather than 11 then the depth of focus could be too small to get everything you want sharp.

Hope this helps?

[dj_paige]

Since I don't know you or how you use the camera, I will present some very basic tips to improve your photos if they are blurry. If this is too basic, please forgive me.
You need to have proper camera holding technique. (http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-hold-a-digital-camera) Many people have terrible camera holding technique for point-and-shoot cameras, this won't work with a DSLR.
Make sure your shutter speeds are 1/60 or faster, handheld. If the subject matter is moving, even faster speeds are needed. For sports action 1/400 or faster is probably needed.
Make sure your camera is set to autofocus (it might be set on manual focus).
PS: I don't email my replies either ... I put it in the forum so everyone can benefit.

[athegn]

Make sure your camera is set to autofocus (it might be set on manual focus)..

Canon cameras have the autofocus switch on the lens

[kellyLynne]

Im a professional wedding photographer, and have been using a dslr for quite sometime now, which is why i dont understand what the problem is, me..or the canon...now granted it is much different than my olympus dslr, more focus points, different names for different functions, its got to be something i just havent figured out yet. Happens with both low and high aps, my ss is always over 1/70th, auto focus, outdoors in good light, with a fixed 50mm 1.8, in centerweighted metering.

Funny thing is, i can take a perfectly exposed and in focus photo of a pill bottle, or a stop sign, LOL...so, it just makes no sense.

[JulieM]

KellyLynne,

Did you have a similar lens with your Olympus kit? I know that getting the focus right can be challenging until you get used to a fast lens like the 50mm f/1.8, at least if you're using it at the widest aperture. Maybe you could post a sample image with the exif data intact (don't use save for web)?

[athegn]

How about my tip on using Zoombrowser?

Does this show anything on an out of focus image?

[Yohans]

If you haven't changed your focus point to use just the center point I would do that first. Don't let the camera choose the focus point. There are a number ways to do this, they are covered in the manual. Maybe if you post in the camera section you might get more information.
Good Luck,
Yohans

[Chuck S.]

Kelly Lynne, you may want to post your problem on the dpreview Canon EOS 50D-10D Talk forum. Lots of 50D experts and wannabes there.

Some Canon DSLR's have had 'front-focusing' issues that can only be fixed by sending the camera back to Canon for service. I wouldn't rule out a hardware problem, especially with your experience with other cameras.

[nkeevers]

I agree, might be good if you could post a picture of the problem. I have the Canon 40D and a prime 50mm/1.4 and I've had no problems. Could be you're not used to the feel yet...your settings sound right. My shots with my 50 are perfect so I'm sure if you practice more, you will get the hang of it. Make sure to read the manual because there just might be something you are overlooking.

[Daviskw]

Kelly Lynne, you may want to post your problem on the dpreview Canon EOS 50D-10D Talk forum. Lots of 50D experts and wannabes there.

Some Canon DSLR's have had 'front-focusing' issues that can only be fixed by sending the camera back to Canon for service. I wouldn't rule out a hardware problem, especially with your experience with other cameras.

Chuck I'm pretty sure the 50d has a micro adjustment feature...you don't have to send it to the factory. But you do need to purchase or download some targets off the net...or you should if you don't want to use trial and error.

Just wondering did you get a kit lens..if so do you have problems with it? I have the cheap 1.8 plastic lens and have not found it particularly sharp.

Butch