Camera Problems - flash, lens????

[wjzachary]

My Canon EOS digital rebel has not been taking photos very well. Every photo is different even if it is on total Auto setting.

I have had the same lens for about 10 years and thought maybe the focusing issue was with it. But it is still the same with different lenses. Also there always seems to be an issue with the lighting; same lighting and same setting gives different output. My sister has a Nikon and her photos always seem perfect. Mine are hit and miss.

I have tried the manual settings with the same results.

I don't know what to try. Any ideas? Thanks

[ldelacruz]

Post a few pics with the exif data or take it to a mom and pop camera shop.

[wjzachary]

Will post a couple tomorrow. Mom and Pop store is about 100 miles away. No-one local

[Daniel W.]

Well as always, take camera battery at, let rest for a day. Press every dial, turn every button, lift flap, etc. It sounds weird but I've seen a $40,000 broadcast camera go down, and doing this "dispelled" some built up static electricity that was buggering the thing (or so I'm told by the guy who made me do it). And if not, at least it feels like you tried.

Try different lenses, cards, and batteries (all the variables).

Which lens is this happening with? It may be working, but if its a third party, on the Rebel especially, they can lock up or mess with the aperture, which would change the characteristics of the picture. We had an older Sigma lens lock up our Rebels something nasty.

[wjzachary]

I will try the battery removal. Doesn't sound too wierd. Had a computer guru tell me to hold the button in on the company server with it unplugged to discharge any static electricity. We had been hit by lightening. Never thought of trying it with the camera though.

The lens I am using is old about 10 years, it is a Tamron that came with my 35mm rebel; so I know it is time to upgrade, but have been using it exclusively with this camera for 2 years, no problems.

It is just odd; I am just learning all the manual settings, but the auto ones have never given me problems. Flash seems off, focusing is off, just wierd stuff and no consistent pics.

[Daniel W.]

Hmm... are they blurry on the screen too or just in the VF? If just in the VF it could be the diopter (little wheel behind the eyecup). Flash... not sure. Depending on the metering mode, the flash may try to expose for a "darker" element in the image, thus overpowering the image.

[MT Stringer]

I think you are in the beginning stages of upgrade fever. Go ahead, don't fight it. It will be OK grasshopper! :-)

[wjzachary]

The flash doesn't seem to be on cue. It is flashing but seems to be late. The image is blurry but not in the VF. It is all a mystery to me as I am not a photography master. LOL

Want to upgrade the lens for sure, but it that doesn't fix the problem, hubby won't be happy. :)

[rockpics]

I gave my son an 18-200 Tamron with my old 20D. It did suddenly stop autofocusing.
Fortunately we were shooting together when this happened so we swapped out lenses and discovered it was the lens. Sound like you may have a different problem, though. Good luck with your trouble shooting.

[Kalrog]

What shutter speed are you using? It could be too slow and that means shake, not blur. And the flash could be on 2nd curtain.

I'm guessing here - you said you went to manual mode and these could be things to check out. Again, pictures with exif would help.

[crazeazn]

new batteries for the flash?

[wjzachary]

OK here are some samples, the first is outside full auto and seems hazy (1/250 10).

2nd is with my friends new 18-135 IS Canon lens( 1/60; 5.6); 3rd is same photo with my Tamron lens(1/60 5.0).

All these are full-auto. I know enough to try manual, but am not sure if I am the issue or the camera. I have had my Rebel for 1 1/2 years.

Thanks for all the help

[ldelacruz]

There is not enough info to help you out. Try to reload the pics and not strip the exif data. The EXIF data has all the settings your camera is using to take the pic. I think your camera and lens are fine but you will have to learn your camera. There is not a majic setting and when things like this happen you have to know how to correct them.

The first is backlit so it will look foggy.
2nd is better than the 3rd. The 3rd most likely metered the mostly white ceiling and auto metered it underexposed.

[ThePhilosopher]

What Lonnie said.

[wjzachary]

Well, I was afraid of that. OK, so where should I start learning. What manual settings should I try out first.

Also, when shooting sunset silhouette shots, what setting should I try for it. I have a chance to shoot wildlife at sunset.

Are there any good online courses? Small town OK doesn't have a lot of opportunities to learn!!