Lens Issue/User Issue/Print Issue???? Newbie ?

[CheriLS]

I apologize if this is either an old, goofy question or I've posted in the wrong place.

My question is this: I have an older Canon Rebel EOS. It's at least 4 yrs old (hubby bought it second-hand from a coworker) While I am an admitted amateur, I love taking photos. I do use the automatic focus and press the button half-way down to allow for focus. However, some of my photos are not quite in focus. So I went to a local camera place and asked if they had a test to see if there was an equipment issue or user issue. I showed the guy a couple of the photos. He told me that it was probably where I had the prints printed (Wal-greens) and not an equipment issue nor a user issue.

I'm been pondering this for a week now and I'm not quite sure if I got a straight answer or was I patronized?? Any thoughts/suggestions would be much appreciated.

thanks
cheri in north texas

[Biff]

Originally Posted by CheriLS

I apologize if this is either an old, goofy question or I've posted in the wrong place.

My question is this: I have an older Canon Rebel EOS. It's at least 4 yrs old (hubby bought it second-hand from a coworker) While I am an admitted amateur, I love taking photos. I do use the automatic focus and press the button half-way down to allow for focus. However, some of my photos are not quite in focus. So I went to a local camera place and asked if they had a test to see if there was an equipment issue or user issue. I showed the guy a couple of the photos. He told me that it was probably where I had the prints printed (Wal-greens) and not an equipment issue nor a user issue.

I'm been pondering this for a week now and I'm not quite sure if I got a straight answer or was I patronized?? Any thoughts/suggestions would be much appreciated.

thanks
cheri in north texas

Can you post your images here? And my bet is to not use that vendor again.

[Biff]

Ooops BTW, welcome to TPF.

[DoublyDan]

Yes Cheri, Welcome!

How did the print compare to the version on your screen? Or was it Film?

The more info you provide the better the answers will be... Thanks again.

[CheriLS]

The print on the screen looked a bit clearer than what was printed. The cardinal looks blurry to me on this screen... Any suggestions is always appreciated...thanks in advance

[ldelacruz]

Yes. They are both blurry.

[David Price]

I can't get the EXIF from my work 'puter but we need to know what lens you used, your shutter speed and f/stop. Looks like this could be motion blur as opposed to a focus problem?

~dp

[Carl Stone]

The first thing to do is check your technique, and be certain that you have adequate support for your target image. If you are using a zoom cranked way out, and/or, slow shutter speeds, you are in need of solid support. Support such as a tripod, a block wall, or anything that prevents your gear from shake while you're shooting.

[toverman]

My guess is camera shake, too, but that's just a shot in the dark without knowing your settings and lens.

Another factor to consider is which focus point is selected on the camera, or if it's guessing which point you want to use. I used an original Digital Rebel for years, but don't remember the exact specs or settings. With my current cameras, I nearly always focus with the center point and recompose my image before releasing the shutter.