Canon Rebel XSI auto focus problems: What should I do?
674740
new mom- The number of highly positive reviews vastly outnumber the negative reviews mentioning "auto-focus problems" here at Amazon. And you don't see this "problem" ever mentioned in professional reviews of the camera. I strongly suspect the "auto-focus problems" you're referring to are actually caused by a very common beginner's mistake. The Xsi has 9 independent auto-focus points available. The full auto mode which beginners are likely to start out with will use all 9 points at the same time. What this means is that the camera will end up picking the auto-focus point or points which present the camera with the best contrast for determining correct focus. The focus points the camera selects, however, aren't necessarily the best ones for the photographer because the camera doesn't really know what part of the scene is the subject and what parts are the background. The proper technique is to not use FULL auto mode but one of the other modes - P, Av, Tv or M - and to manually (pre)select ONE auto-focus point. Generally, you'll pick either the center point or the one focus point closest to your actual subject in the frame. Many photographers will use a "focus and recompose" method where they auto-focus on the subject using just the center focus point and, while still half pressing the shutter release button, reframe the scene as desired. This works very well in most cases (although there are exceptions where recomposing can cause the focus to shift too much in some fairly specific cases but this is a matter of geometry and not camera design). I believe with the proper techniques, you'll find the Xsi can focus VERY accurately and give you quite professional looking results. P.S. - Shooting active preschoolers can be a bit of a challenge in itself but I'll leave that discussion for another day. :)
1751157
I am also VERY frustrated with this. Many of my pictures are coming out blurry despite holding the button half way down to focus before firing. The manual is mute on the subject. I just called Canon and they were basically no help---just said to make sure the flash was up when firing inside. I have the SD card in that it came with. Any other ideas??Thanks!!!!!!
2109065
Like the Canon, the lower the light, the more likely focusing will take longer. I found that using the 'focus assist' button (on the camera back - in easy reach) along with manual focus worked best in those conditions.
1708669
call Canon customer service ... I spoke with them when I was looking at this lens .. excellent support. Good luck.
804333
Good question! Go into the settings and adjust the flash to Auto, check other settings and adjust accordingly this may be a try and adjust type mine came out of the box shooting good pictures of good quality
662611
I have not had exposure issues but I have had focus issues. Not really issues, as much as just not being happy with the focal range at all, or the autofocus system. If you are shooting auto I can see you having problems as the auto systems just do not seem to be up to par compared to other platforms
46372
Try putting your camera in manual mode. AF doesn't work with this adapter, so use it as a manual focus.
1808311
With decent light or upping the ISO setting on the camera to 800 or 1600 you will get good results for the price. Also set the camera to sport mode and that will keep the shutter speed fast.On the Rebel XTi this also has a 1.6 multiplier so the lens works effectivly as a 160 - 480 zoom.I have one from the days I used an EOS 10 (film camera) and it works great on the XTi.
112229
I had that problem, the aperture problem which resulted in overexposure. Called Fujifilm, sent the camera, and it fixed and came back. I paid the shipping cost to their service center but service was quick and replacement itself was free. I had that problem with quite early lot, but I guess current lot does not have such problem or if you have then you can get the replacement service.
250135
I'm having this issue, too. Camera seems to get confused and the whole frame becomes blurry rather than focusing on the one object. It takes several attempts to register what I'm trying to do, and then it's too late - opportunity has passed and subject has moved. Time to really study my manual I guess or maybe this is a shortcoming with this camera.
1551386
Owner's manual doesn't address these issues. Suggest you go to the Canon website.
1810682
Dear Karen:Thank you for your reply. I have also contacted Canon. They were going to send me to the nearest service center, until I told them about your feedback with the same problem. Thanks for your help. I have received my refurbished replacement. I hope this one will stay function. Jeannette
1368048
Put the camera in rapid fire, manual focus, out the trigger in bulb... hit it once and the shutter will stay engaged.That might work.
1278588
Try adjusting the diopter adjustment on the viewfinder- likely was off. Should view and record in focus.
699880
Ah, the Rebel XT -- I had one of those for a while. Small LCD screen did make it a bit hard to check if something was in focus or not. The Canon 100-300mm USM isn't a bad lens. But you might consider upgrading the 28-80mm USM -- even the newer kit lens, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, is an improvement. You might also enjoy working with a fast prime lens for the background blurring it can provide. Something like the the Canon 50mm f1.8 or 50mm f1.4 or 85mm f1.8 are excellent lenses. Cool images, by the way!
31097
I actually am going to try and return the Nikon CoolPix I recently purchased. The auto focus is not working correctly and the zoom takes too long to focus to take good action pictures. Once focused, it goes blurry when you snap the picture. May be only my camera, but I was unable to take ANY pictures of my daughter when she rode in an evening parade recently. I suspect it has a defective auto focus since no one else can get it to work either. You might want to go to a local camera store and try one out before purchasing. The camera is nice sized and has a great zoom ability which is why I bought it to use at my daughter's horse shows. I actually am going to try and return the Nikon CoolPix I recently purchased. The auto focus is not working correctly and the zoom takes too long to focus to take good action pictures. Once focused, it goes blurry when you snap the picture. May be only my camera, but I was unable to take ANY pictures of my daughter when she rode in an evening parade recently. I suspect it has a defective auto focus since no one else can get it to work either. You might want to go to a local camera store and try one out before purchasing. The camera is nice sized and has a great zoom ability which is why I... » Read More I actually am going to try and return the Nikon CoolPix I recently purchased. The auto focus is not working correctly and the zoom takes too long to focus to take good action pictures. Once focused, it goes blurry when you snap the picture. May be only my camera, but I was unable to take ANY pictures of my daughter when she rode in an evening parade recently. I suspect it has a defective auto focus since no one else can get it to work either. You might want to go to a local camera store and try one out before purchasing. The camera is nice sized and has a great zoom ability which is why I bought it to use at my daughter's horse shows. « Show Less
142362
Has anyone received an official response from Canon on this issue? Specifically, the nature of the issue (hardware/software). I have the same problem. Autofocus outside of the widest zoom setting does not function. The camera lights up focus targets and beeps, but the focus is clearly wrong. The camera is NOT in macro mode.