40D Question

[svt428]

Just got a 40D and used it tonight at my neises graduation. Quality is terrible for the most part. Only got a few shots that came out decent. Used a Sigma 70-200 2.8 and Sigma 24-70 2.8. I have a 10D and 30D that I have had no problem with these lenses. Am I missing something or did I just get a bad one? Anybody else run into this?

Steve

[BigBlueDodge]

Steve,

without pictures, there's not much we can do to help you. That's like going to the doctor and telling him that you feel sick, and nothing else, and expect him to figure out what's going on.

[Jim Victory]

40D is a great camera and if it isn't working for you we need to know how it isn't working. Photos and exif information to start with would help.

[AndrewCCM]

Ditto to the above. I don't own one, but sis does and I have used it.. Definitely a step up from my 20D's of the past. Would be interested to see some shots with EXIF intact as well..

[svt428]

I guess that would help. Wasn't thinking, kinda bumed. This was at the football feild with lots of lights. I tried with a flash for fill and without with the same results.


This one came out kind of Ok, but any zoom at all it gets fuzzy.


After looking at the next one a little closer I think I've got some bad back focusing.


This one is just bad

[AndrewCCM]

These all look like they are misfocusing.. One is back focused and the last one looks front focused. What focus mode are you using and what point?

All that black on black can contribute, but it looks like you are having it auto-select the AF point since it's all over the place. I would never do that in a situation where you cannot fill the frame with your subject. I use center point on all my cameras 99% of the time.

[svt428]

Center focus is all I ever use.

[CaptainTom]

okay, there is an issue. is it the camera or the operator ?
What Exif info ?
ISO
AV,M,TV,P ?
Focus mode? single shot, servo ?
If you are trying to get a good shot in a high school stadium, those who have shot football games can tell you that it is pretty tricky.

Are you using the shutter release for focus?
The Sigma (I had one) is pretty good at focus, except sometimes in low light it would search more than I like.
How does the lens function on MF ?

Try putting the camera on a tripod, let it auto focus on a still subject, activate live view, go to 10X view and see if you like how it focused. Keep in mind that you need to check with the exact location the AF sensor was viewing.

Call us back when you've answered these questions.

[AndrewCCM]

Tom,

The EXIF is embedded... Looks like 175mm, F3.5, ISO 500 and around 1/250th

[Matt_G]

This was at the football feild with lots of lights.

A lot of lights does not equate to a lot of light. Football fields are very tough to photograph at night. I agree it looks like you missed focused on the second and the last looks like camera shake/motion blur. 1/250 is pushing it for 175mm without IS...Why didnt you bump the ISO? 1600 is very useable on the 40D especially when you bump the exposure 1/3 to the right.

[svt428]

Tom
I'll try that tomorrow and get back with the results. Got a small Wedding to shot today and am already a little behind on getting ready.
I did take a few minutes to relook at the photos and although the daylight shots are a little better they still are below par. It does look like back/front focusing is a big issue. Had the same thing with my 30D a while back whcich was corrected by Canon and all is fine now.
Thanks
Steve

[CaptainTom]

Did canon fix the camera body with or without the lens ?

IAEF (if all else fails) use manual focus.

[PIC]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

okay, there is an issue. is it the camera or the operator ?
...

Hmmm ... Or is it another Nikon Sony Oly Pentex etc Promoter - LOL.

F.W.I.W. - I saw a job posting 3 months ago for a work at home Photo Blogger ...
Thought this was odd {???}
So I contacted them.
Turns out the job was to promote their client brand (s) by writting articles
and down play the others brand features specs ...
I think MM is full of them.
This company also does a lot more than just cameras.

Latter they said their overwhelmed with applicants but would contact
me if future need should be.

You know in this 21st Century Digi Photo Revolution Evolution -
You just can't trust Jack Squat anymore !!!

EL

[svt428]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

Did canon fix the camera body with or without the lens ?

IAEF (if all else fails) use manual focus.

Without the lens.

Took several shots yesterday outside and they all look great. Haven't had a chance to try some flash shots. I guess between having the ISO too low and as windy as it was we can call this one operator error. Thanks for the replies.

Steve

[MT Stringer]

Steve, here is a shot I took with the exact same setup as yours - 40D w/Sigma 70-200 f/2.8.

This was at Stallworth stadium in Baytown under the lights. ISO 1600, f/2.8, SS 1/400th. Focal length 200mm.

Edit: I used the center focus point and AI Focus.

Hope this helps.
Mike