9 replies to this topic

[roset3]

Hello There,

Now i'm no where near a professional or even a very good amature photographer but I have been having problems with the Canon EOS 350D.

It's hard to explain, my shots just never seem to come out well, never properly focused, doesn't like shooting at night, camera has problems focusing on things etc etc.

The first time I used it the pictures were excellent, ever since then not as good.

Now I have what I think is a decent enough lens so not sure if thats the problem.

Question is ? Is the camera prone to these sorts of problems or is it just mine ?

Also, I'm thinking of trying a Nikon or a better Canon.

I know there is a general Canon vs. Nikon argument at present but thought i'd get some views from real people. Please what are your opinions ?

Thanks.
Alex.

[Tombob]

hi,

which lens do you have?

when i purchased mine i bought a Sigma 18-125mm lens, which seemed quite soft. It has now gone in for repair as it has somehow got loads of dust inside the front element, also is very noisy and has a sloppy feel.
I recently purchased a Sigma 10-20mm lens and the difference is huge, shots seem much sharper.

Are you using auto AF point selection or manual? I find that the auto AF point selection sometimes does not select the area needed in focus, so i set AF points manually.

tom

[roset3]

hi,

which lens do you have?

when i purchased mine i bought a Sigma 18-125mm lens, which seemed quite soft. It has now gone in for repair as it has somehow got loads of dust inside the front element, also is very noisy and has a sloppy feel.
I recently purchased a Sigma 10-20mm lens and the difference is huge, shots seem much sharper.

Are you using auto AF point selection or manual? I find that the auto AF point selection sometimes does not select the area needed in focus, so i set AF points manually.

tom

The lens is a Canon EF 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM. Cost me £350 which is a lot to me. I know some lenses are thousands of pounds.

I generally use Auto AF Point selection. Need to look through the manual and see how to do it.

[tmat]

What imaging software are you using ? All of them will have a sharpening filter built into them. Because of the optical filters built into digital cameras it is almost always necessary to sharpen the images on your computer before printing or saving them. If you are using photoshop or elements use the unsharp mask filter it makes a big difference.

[roset3]

Thanks, I have Photoshop CS2 which I use quite a lot to sharpen the images I have. It works on some of the older pics I have but not anything recent with the 350D.

[Tombob]

there is a chance that the lens or camera is at fault. if you can take it to the shop where you bought it from and try the lens on a different 350d body and see if theres still the problem.
also a note to remember is handheld shouts under 1/60th second induce camera shake that can blur photos. A rule is to use 1/60th sec as a minimum shutter speed, then at focal lengths above 60mm only use one over the focal length, ie focal length 80mm - minimum shutter 1/80th, 100mm - 1/100th, 125 - 1/125 etc.
also try to use the camera at minimum iso, and only increase it if necesary. A high iso creates grain which makes images less sharp.

if you like i could send you some pics straight out of my camera so you can compare.

tom

[roset3]

there is a chance that the lens or camera is at fault. if you can take it to the shop where you bought it from and try the lens on a different 350d body and see if theres still the problem.
also a note to remember is handheld shouts under 1/60th second induce camera shake that can blur photos. A rule is to use 1/60th sec as a minimum shutter speed, then at focal lengths above 60mm only use one over the focal length, ie focal length 80mm - minimum shutter 1/80th, 100mm - 1/100th, 125 - 1/125 etc.
also try to use the camera at minimum iso, and only increase it if necesary. A high iso creates grain which makes images less sharp.

if you like i could send you some pics straight out of my camera so you can compare.

tom

Thank you, that would be very good. You can send them to me at alexrose_1@hotmail.com

Thanks for the other info too, prob read it in book somewhere but your explanation makes more sense.

[Tombob]

sorry ive been a while, busy with college work and stuff.

anyhow i sent a photo to your email address

tom

[stewart bywater]

I can't really add to what' s already been written in response to your problem, but if you want to see what your camera is capable of, have a look at: http://www.topleftpixel.com
If you don't think you're very good, you certainly don't need a better camera yet.

[Will Johnson]

Question is ? Is the camera prone to these sorts of problems or is it just mine ?

Also, I'm thinking of trying a Nikon or a better Canon.

I know there is a general Canon vs. Nikon argument at present but thought i'd get some views from real people. Please what are your opinions ?

Nikon D200 is my 3rd dslr (fuji s2, Nikon d70s) and it is far away the best and will most likely be my camera of choice for years to come. The fuji took great photos but battery set-up was terrible; it's gone now. I still have the d70s, as a back-up, but it just doesn't feel like a real camera and I'm always knocking the program knob from manual to beach scene or something like that.

The D200 feels and sounds great, very solid; like my old F5. All the controls are well thought-out and well placed. You can change ISO, color balance, mode, exposure comp. all without taking your eye from the viewfinder; a big plus. Battery life could be better but it's not a big deal; I just carry an extra battery.

Will Johnsonn

http://www.redopinio...ory/nikon/d200/

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