What's wrong with my 400D?

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EOS_Kam

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Took the camera to the zoo today and come home to find the results very disappointing! Before I blame my camera, I cannot rule out my "skil" being the factor but I am relatively certain it isn't me ...

I am pretty much a point and shoot kind of guy, and rely on the camera's programmes. I do take time to comose my photos and the direction of the sun etc. I downloaded the photos off my camera, they looked sharp but 99% of them do not look sharp. in fact if you enlarge the photos, you can quickly see that they are blurry.

I instanty thought it must have been me but today was one of the sunniest days of the year so far, the camera should not have selected a slower shutter speed. The photos also lookedvery flat with no depth :( I looked at photos taken with my old camera - Nikon Coolpix 8800 and those photos were a lot sharper, with real depth. It is as though my 400D was a lower grade camera!

Is there some way I could test my camera to see if it is working as it should? Any help will be appeciated!
 
What mode were you using the camera in.?

We could probably give you more idea if you posted a couple of examples. :)
 
CT said:
What mode were you using the camera in.?

We could probably give you more idea if you posted a couple of examples. :)
Click to expand...

You're right! I will do that tomorrow. Camera is set to highest image recording (L) and I tend to shoot using P mode.

Thanks
 
This doesn't sound like a lighting issue, so i'll shift it to general photography.

post a few pics of the affected image, the exif should be able to throw some light on it.
 
digitalfailure said:
This doesn't sound like a lighting issue, so i'll shift it to general photography.

post a few pics of the affected image, the exif should be able to throw some light on it.
Click to expand...
Will do. Sorry for posting in the wrong forum section.
 
I bought a 400d last October from Jessops and found the shoots very soft compared to my old 350, took the camera down to my local London camera exchange shop and tried if against one of their new ones, took a few shoots with my 400 on manual setting, then swapped the card into the shop 400 took same shoots. Couldn’t believe how bad my 400 was.
 
The other question of course is
"what lens where you using?"
and don't forget that DSLR's don't sharpen "in camera" like the bridge / point and shoot ones do
(unless set to do so from the menu)
 
Why do I think that the EF75-300 is going to surface in this thread somewhere :thinking:

Bob
 
Perhaps you knocked it into MF by mistake?

Check the switch on the lens, sounds like it's just not focussing at all so unless it's faulty, it could be in Manual Focus.
 
Here are a couple of examples:

Examples

Camera is deffo in AF and lens used were: Tiger = the 18-55mm EF-S lens. The Bird was using my old 70-300mm EF (Ultrasonic) lens. The results using either lens were similiar - a real lack of sharpness. When sharpened using Photoshop, it looked very artificial. You need to zoom into the examples to see how bad it is.
 
Another thing is, does anyone feel that when set to Auto AF Point, the camera has a strong tendancy to pick the "wrong" point to focus on?
 
Can you post the EXIF data or just an idea of FL, aperture and shutter speed.

My 75-300 comment was based on the number of times I seen questions like this and it ends up that this lens was used. It is capable of reasonable shots but needs good light and a bit of luck. It's a mistake to trawl through a forum like this and expect to conistently get close to the shots taken with higher-end lenses like the 70-200L's.

Bob
 
Here is the exif from the tiger shot.

Standard Information
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
ImageSize: 3888x2592
ComponentsConfiguration: YCbCr
CameraType: EOS Mid-range
CreateDate: 2008:04:26 11:13:40
ModifyDate: 2008:04:26 11:13:40
DateTimeOriginal: 2008:04:26 11:13:40
ExposureTime: 1/100"
Aperture: F7.1
MaxAperture: F5.6
CircleOfConfusion: 0.019 mm
HyperfocalDistance: 22.15 m
ExposureProgram: Program AE
ExposureBiasValue: 0
MeteringMode: Evaluative
Flash: Off
ISO: 200
WhiteBalance: Auto
FocalLength: 55.0mm
FocalLength35efl: 55.0mm (35mm equivalent: 85.9mm)
ColorSpace: sRGB
NoiseReduction: Off
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: +5
LensSpec: EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

GPS Information

Other Information
AEBBracketValue: 0
AFAreaHeight: 78
AFAreaWidth: 78
AFAreaXPositions: 8 -555 571 -931 8 947 -555 571 8
AFAreaYPositions: 504 270 270 4 4 4 -262 -262 -496
AFAssistBeam: Emits
AFImageHeight: 2336
AFImageWidth: 3504
AFPointsInFocus: 4
ApertureValue: 7.1
AutoExposureBracketing: Off
AutoISO: 100
AutoRotate: None
BaseISO: 200
BitsPerSample: 8
BlueBalance: 1.790039
BracketMode: Off
BracketShotNumber: 0
BracketValue: 0
BulbDuration: 0
CanonExposureMode: Program AE
CanonFirmwareVersion: Firmware 1.1.0
CanonFlashMode: Off
CanonImageHeight: 2592
CanonImageSize: Large
CanonImageType: Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
CanonImageWidth: 3888
CanonModelID: EOS Digital Rebel XTi / 400D / Kiss Digital X
ColorComponents: 3
ColorTempAsShot: 4465
ColorTempAuto: 4465
ColorTempCloudy: 6000
ColorTempCustom: 10900
ColorTempDaylight: 5200
ColorTempFlash: 6258
ColorTempFluorescent: 3769
ColorTempKelvin: 5210
ColorTempMeasured: 4465
ColorTempPC1: 4481
ColorTempPC2: 4481
ColorTempPC3: 4481
ColorTempShade: 7000
ColorTempTungsten: 3200
ColorTemperature: 5200
ColorTone: Normal
Compression: JPEG (old-style)
ContinuousDrive: Single
CustomRendered: Normal
DigitalGain: 0
DigitalZoom: None
Directory: C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop
DriveMode: Single-frame shooting
ETTLII: Evaluative
EasyMode: Manual
EncodingProcess: Baseline DCT, Huffman coding
ExifImageLength: 2592
ExifImageWidth: 3888
ExifVersion: 0221
ExposureLevelIncrements: 1/3 Stop
ExposureMode: Auto
FNumber: 7.1
FileModifyDate: 2008:04:27 10:26:00
FileName: IMG_5873.jpg
FileNumber: 136-5873
FileSize: 5 MB
FileType: JPEG
FilterEffect: None
FlashActivity: 0
FlashBits: (none)
FlashExposureComp: 0
FlashGuideNumber: 0
FlashOn: Off
FlashOutput: 0
FlashSyncSpeedAv: Auto
FlashpixVersion: 0100
FocalPlaneResolutionUnit: inches
FocalPlaneXResolution: 4433.295
FocalPlaneXSize: 23.04mm
FocalPlaneYResolution: 4453.608
FocalPlaneYSize: 15.37mm
FocalType: Zoom
FocalUnits: 1
FocusContinuous: Single
FocusDistanceLower: -0.01
FocusDistanceUpper: 5.46
FocusMode: AI Focus AF
FocusRange: Not Known
ImageHeight: 2592
ImageWidth: 3888
InternalSerialNumber: H2014368
InteropIndex: R98 - DCF basic file (sRGB)
InteropVersion: 0100
LCDDisplayAtPowerOn: Display
Lens: 18.0 - 55.0mm
Lens35efl: 18.0 - 55.0mm (35mm equivalent: 28.1 - 85.9mm)
LensType: EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
LightValue: 11.3
LongExposureNoiseReduction: Off
LongFocal: 55mm
MacroMode: Normal
MagnifiedView: Image playback only
ManualFlashOutput: n/a
MeasuredEV: 6.25
MinAperture: 32
MirrorLockup: Disable
NDFilter: Unknown (-1)
NumAFPoints: 9
OpticalZoomCode: 8
Orientation: Horizontal (normal)
OriginalDecisionData: 0
OwnerName: unknown
PhotoEffect: Off
PictureStyle: Standard
Quality: Fine
RecordMode: JPEG
RedBalance: 2.137695
ResolutionUnit: inches
ScaleFactor35efl: 1.6
SceneCaptureType: Standard
Self-timer: Off
Self-timer2: 0
SensorBlueLevel: 0
SensorBottomBorder: 2614
SensorHeight: 2622
SensorLeftBorder: 52
SensorRedLevel: 0
SensorRightBorder: 3939
SensorTopBorder: 23
SensorWidth: 3948
SequenceNumber: 0
SerialNumber: 1380835067
SerialNumberFormat: Format 2
SetButtonCrossKeysFunc: Set: Picture Style
SharpnessFrequency: n/a
ShootingMode: Program AE
ShortFocal: 18mm
Shutter-AELock: AF/AE lock
ShutterCurtainSync: 1st-curtain sync
ShutterSpeed: 1/100
ShutterSpeedValue: 1/100
SlowShutter: None
TargetAperture: 7.1
TargetExposureTime: 1/102
ThumbnailLength: 10717
ThumbnailOffset: 6144
ToneCurve: Standard
ToningEffect: None
UserComment
ValidAFPoints: 9
WBBracketMode: Off
WBBracketValueAB: 0
WBBracketValueGM: 0
WBShiftAB: 0
WBShiftGM: 0
WB_RGGBLevels: 2189 1024 1024 1833
WB_RGGBLevelsAsShot: 2189 1024 1024 1833
WB_RGGBLevelsAuto: 2189 1024 1024 1833
WB_RGGBLevelsCloudy: 2456 1024 1024 1369
WB_RGGBLevelsCustom: 3718 1024 1024 1100
WB_RGGBLevelsDaylight: 2250 1024 1024 1511
WB_RGGBLevelsFlash: 2509 1024 1024 1341
WB_RGGBLevelsFluorescent: 1930 1059 1059 2190
WB_RGGBLevelsKelvin: 2250 1024 1024 1511
WB_RGGBLevelsMeasured: 2187 1020 1027 1831
WB_RGGBLevelsPC1: 512 1024 1024 8191
WB_RGGBLevelsPC2: 512 1024 1024 8191
WB_RGGBLevelsPC3: 512 1024 1024 8191
WB_RGGBLevelsShade: 2655 1024 1024 1254
WB_RGGBLevelsTungsten: 1663 1141 1141 2684
WhiteBalanceBlue: 0
WhiteBalanceRed: 0
XResolution: 72
YCbCrPositioning: Co-sited
YCbCrSubSampling: YCbCr4:2:2 (2 1)
YResolution: 72
ZoomSourceWidth: 0
ZoomTargetWidth: 0
 
EOS_Kam said:
Another thing is, does anyone feel that when set to Auto AF Point, the camera has a strong tendancy to pick the "wrong" point to focus on?
Click to expand...

Probabley about 90% of the time Thats one of the mistakes that I made early on :(
I only ever use "single point" now

EOS_Kam said:
Here are a couple of examples:

Examples

Camera is deffo in AF and lens used were: Tiger = the 18-55mm EF-S lens. The Bird was using my old 70-300mm EF (Ultrasonic) lens.
Click to expand...

The birds not too bad and can be "bought back" a little with some tweaking I feel
Was the tiger shot through fencing (ie mesh?)
 
EOS_Kam said:
Another thing is, does anyone feel that when set to Auto AF Point, the camera has a strong tendancy to pick the "wrong" point to focus on?
Click to expand...

Yeah all the time, center point for me too, especially if i'm using my 70-200.

For that tiger shot it looks like the shutter speed was far too slow. 1/100 isn't nearly fast enough for outdoor daylight (and in this case, sunny) conditions.

If you're shooting auto, then the camera should do it properly automatically. I'v used my 40D on Av mode (which I never do) and the camera put the shutter to 8000 which is insanely (and far too) fast. Admittidly I had the exposure way down becuase I fogot to set it...lol
 
Now that I think about it, I think the tiger photo was taken through Perspex :bonk:

Perhaps best to ignore that ....

How do I gather the efix info?

Should I be disappointed with the 400D? Is there some way I can force the camera to make photos sharper?

Thanks.
 
EOS_Kam said:
Now that I think about it, I think the tiger photo was taken through Perspex :bonk:

Perhaps best to ignore that ....

How do I gather the efix info?

Should I be disappointed with the 400D? Is there some way I can force the camera to make photos sharper?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

1) Well yes, perspex will do that to a shot :D

2)download http://www.opanda.com/
for an EXIF viewer this ones free

3)No you should definitely NOT be disapointed! its a great camera
practice practice and Oh yes, practice :D it will come with time
 
Unless there's a problem with your 400D (and I doubt it) then it's more than good enough to take exceptional shots....and so is the kit lens. There are times when either or both will struggle but that statement can apply to any lens/body combination.
These three links are from someone else using the same body and lens combinations as you (albiet the 70-300 is a Sigma version). Gives a fair idea of what to expect for starters.
Bob
PS...Hope you didn't mind Trev
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=55729
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=54930
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=55254
 
I'm going to assume from your location that that was Colchester Zoo, and Sasha the Tiger... Looking at the perspective it's shot from, I'd guess you were on the "bridge" thing that goes round the enclosure... The windows are double glazed I think, and they're generally filthy, so I'd guess thats got something to do with it :)
 
I have this camera and i am very pleased with the shots i have got from it.
 
The 400D is a great camera, I've taken some nice wildlife shots but a lot of it does come down to the lens and settings. A sharp lens helps. As does shutter speed. If you are a bit wary of going outside 'green box' mode you should consider using one of the creative modes like AV (Aperture Priority) or TV (Shutter Priority) where you'll learn a bit more about how the camera works.

I don't think those pics posted are bad to be honest, as someone said photos through glass and perspex often don't come out very sharp and can sometimes confuse the autofocus especially if they're dirty
 
The 1/100 sec shutter speed is about the lowest safe-ish speed for a 55mm lens, your pushing it hand holding really (unless you have a steady hand) try around 1/250 upwards with the longer lens. Wayne
 
EOS_Kam said:
I looked at photos taken with my old camera - Nikon Coolpix 8800 and those photos were a lot sharper, with real depth. It is as though my 400D was a lower grade camera!
Click to expand...

Digital slr's will take less saturated, less contasty, softer and overall duller photos than a point and shoot.

Point and shoots are designed to do all the processing as it takes the picture, a digital slr is designed for its shots to be processed by the user hence the none/limited sharpening and duller images because they havnt been throttled by a very strong tone curve.
 
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