Upgrading to Canon 70d from 1100d
Discussion
One other thing worth considering - could the ambient light be too low for the AF to focus? I used to get that from time to time, whilst it was light enough that I could (with some careful PP) produce a half decent image there wasn't enough for the AF to pick out the subject.
May be worth trying with your subject clearly lit? I'm not above shining a torch at things to get the AF locked.
Minor point, the ability to focus with a desperate button is probably something you already have - my old 400D gave me the option in the Custom Functions menu to change it to the asterisk button. It may be down to preference but changing to focusing in that manner is something I've never looked back on.
May be worth trying with your subject clearly lit? I'm not above shining a torch at things to get the AF locked.
Minor point, the ability to focus with a desperate button is probably something you already have - my old 400D gave me the option in the Custom Functions menu to change it to the asterisk button. It may be down to preference but changing to focusing in that manner is something I've never looked back on.
The second photo seems have the baby and within the field of focus but there's still a softness overall. The light in the eyes indicate there wasn't a camera shake issue.
If I were in the OPs position now, the first thing I would do is to check for those plastic covers again. If nothing turned up then try a tripod shot of a ruler from an angle to show where the lens is actually focusing. That could rule out front/back focusing
If I were in the OPs position now, the first thing I would do is to check for those plastic covers again. If nothing turned up then try a tripod shot of a ruler from an angle to show where the lens is actually focusing. That could rule out front/back focusing
Erm ok, so I didnt want to admit this, but I have been a donut! On the inside side of the lens there is a very small contact lens like plastic cover! It took me a few seconds to see it, but a small air bubble gave it away - after 5mins of trying to get it off I won!
So yes, I have taken a few shots now and they have come out nice and sharp!
Thanks for all your advice up until this point, and yes I can be nominated for the PH annual plonker!
So yes, I have taken a few shots now and they have come out nice and sharp!
Thanks for all your advice up until this point, and yes I can be nominated for the PH annual plonker!
russy01 said:
Erm ok, so I didnt want to admit this, but I have been a donut! On the inside side of the lens there is a very small contact lens like plastic cover! It took me a few seconds to see it, but a small air bubble gave it away - after 5mins of trying to get it off I won!
On the mount end? dont worry too much that is quite unusual with canon lenses they usually just have a big mount cap on RobDickinson said:
On the mount end? dont worry too much that is quite unusual with canon lenses they usually just have a big mount cap on
Yes oh well! At least I can go and play now!Not a very exciting picture, but just playing about with the tree and at least I can get things in focus now! Look forward to having some more exciting subjects at the weekend!
http://d3d71ba2asa5oz.cloudfront.net/73000354/imag...
Edited by russy01 on Tuesday 29th December 21:40
russy01 said:
Erm ok, so I didnt want to admit this, but I have been a donut! On the inside side of the lens there is a very small contact lens like plastic cover! It took me a few seconds to see it, but a small air bubble gave it away - after 5mins of trying to get it off I won!
So yes, I have taken a few shots now and they have come out nice and sharp!
Thanks for all your advice up until this point, and yes I can be nominated for the PH annual plonker!
Great news!!! Thanks for the update OP! So yes, I have taken a few shots now and they have come out nice and sharp!
Thanks for all your advice up until this point, and yes I can be nominated for the PH annual plonker!
In fairness I had checked (albeit in a rush as I wanted to use my new toy!) But on my second inspection a small air bubble gave away what was a very well applied protector!
But either way I am glad its all sorted and I am now starting to learn a lot more about Aperture with this lens. Its easy on a F3/4 lens to open it right up and get a blurred background whilst maintaining good focus on a decent sized object - however going down to F1.8 is a whole different story. i.e I can get an eye in focus but as the DoF is so small other parts of the face are soft.
So whilst my shots aren't all coming out great for now, its good as I am improving my skills daily.
Also, whilst several of you will think its a waste of £££ at my level I couldn't help myself and I have pulled the trigger on a 70d over the weekend - I am a complete sucker for a new Toy! Having played with my Bro' In Laws 70d there are a few things I liked which aren't present on the 1100d. Half these things are possible on the 1100d, but with the purchase of additional 3rd party bits (Wifi, remote shutter, etc.) So instead of spending £££ on these bits I have put the cash towards a new body which has all my requirements out of the box.
So I am not expecting any appreciable difference in my shots with the new body, but at least I have some decent gear and there is no risk of the 1100d limiting me over the next couple years as I learn.
But either way I am glad its all sorted and I am now starting to learn a lot more about Aperture with this lens. Its easy on a F3/4 lens to open it right up and get a blurred background whilst maintaining good focus on a decent sized object - however going down to F1.8 is a whole different story. i.e I can get an eye in focus but as the DoF is so small other parts of the face are soft.
So whilst my shots aren't all coming out great for now, its good as I am improving my skills daily.
Also, whilst several of you will think its a waste of £££ at my level I couldn't help myself and I have pulled the trigger on a 70d over the weekend - I am a complete sucker for a new Toy! Having played with my Bro' In Laws 70d there are a few things I liked which aren't present on the 1100d. Half these things are possible on the 1100d, but with the purchase of additional 3rd party bits (Wifi, remote shutter, etc.) So instead of spending £££ on these bits I have put the cash towards a new body which has all my requirements out of the box.
So I am not expecting any appreciable difference in my shots with the new body, but at least I have some decent gear and there is no risk of the 1100d limiting me over the next couple years as I learn.
russy01 said:
In fairness I had checked (albeit in a rush as I wanted to use my new toy!) But on my second inspection a small air bubble gave away what was a very well applied protector!
But either way I am glad its all sorted and I am now starting to learn a lot more about Aperture with this lens. Its easy on a F3/4 lens to open it right up and get a blurred background whilst maintaining good focus on a decent sized object - however going down to F1.8 is a whole different story. i.e I can get an eye in focus but as the DoF is so small other parts of the face are soft.
So whilst my shots aren't all coming out great for now, its good as I am improving my skills daily.
Also, whilst several of you will think its a waste of £££ at my level I couldn't help myself and I have pulled the trigger on a 70d over the weekend - I am a complete sucker for a new Toy! Having played with my Bro' In Laws 70d there are a few things I liked which aren't present on the 1100d. Half these things are possible on the 1100d, but with the purchase of additional 3rd party bits (Wifi, remote shutter, etc.) So instead of spending £££ on these bits I have put the cash towards a new body which has all my requirements out of the box.
So I am not expecting any appreciable difference in my shots with the new body, but at least I have some decent gear and there is no risk of the 1100d limiting me over the next couple years as I learn.
I dont think you're a donut at all. You were pretty controlled compared to me after last weekend. I am going away to Australia at the end of the month so I had been toying with hiring a 24-70 f4 as an extra lens to go with my zoom, kit lens and 500d to tide me over for the holiday. However, after walking into Wex photography at the weekend I have now px'd all my camera gear and I now own a 70d, 24-70 f4 and a 70-200 f2.8 mkII!!! But either way I am glad its all sorted and I am now starting to learn a lot more about Aperture with this lens. Its easy on a F3/4 lens to open it right up and get a blurred background whilst maintaining good focus on a decent sized object - however going down to F1.8 is a whole different story. i.e I can get an eye in focus but as the DoF is so small other parts of the face are soft.
So whilst my shots aren't all coming out great for now, its good as I am improving my skills daily.
Also, whilst several of you will think its a waste of £££ at my level I couldn't help myself and I have pulled the trigger on a 70d over the weekend - I am a complete sucker for a new Toy! Having played with my Bro' In Laws 70d there are a few things I liked which aren't present on the 1100d. Half these things are possible on the 1100d, but with the purchase of additional 3rd party bits (Wifi, remote shutter, etc.) So instead of spending £££ on these bits I have put the cash towards a new body which has all my requirements out of the box.
So I am not expecting any appreciable difference in my shots with the new body, but at least I have some decent gear and there is no risk of the 1100d limiting me over the next couple years as I learn.
I'd still consider myself quite controlled, I had talked myself into getting the 7d mk11, but after chatting to a bloke in the salesroom, I stepped it back. Overall it's a great new toy and I'm loving the remote shooting. (I'm currently annpoying my wife by taking random shots of her in another room via my iphone!!)
Cheers
Flipper
lol get the 7dmk2 bought 
(actually get a 6d for Oz too..) Those lenses are sweet
I've no problem with people buying better cameras, its always worth it but I do mind those not understanding photography trying to fix it with more expensive gear..
An upgraded body is great for the ergonomics and handling & viewfinder if nothing else!
(actually get a 6d for Oz too..) Those lenses are sweetI've no problem with people buying better cameras, its always worth it but I do mind those not understanding photography trying to fix it with more expensive gear..
An upgraded body is great for the ergonomics and handling & viewfinder if nothing else!
RobDickinson said:
lol get the 7dmk2 bought (actually get a 6d for Oz too..) Those lenses are sweet
I've no problem with people buying better cameras, its always worth it but I do mind those not understanding photography trying to fix it with more expensive gear..
An upgraded body is great for the ergonomics and handling & viewfinder if nothing else!
It was really hard for me to make the decision as I always like the best and fastest (who doesn't want 10fps??), but I did spend a lot of saturday evening reading up on what I wanted to do and although my budget had crept slightly from approx £120 for two weeks to £2.5k I just couldn't justify the extra £500. It was tough though, they are doing a pretty good deal on the mkII and the 70-200 at the moment! (actually get a 6d for Oz too..) Those lenses are sweetI've no problem with people buying better cameras, its always worth it but I do mind those not understanding photography trying to fix it with more expensive gear..
An upgraded body is great for the ergonomics and handling & viewfinder if nothing else!
Question for you here....
So the 70d is somewhat quicker than the 1100d and can shoot at 7fps (1100d was 3fps.)
Anyway my question is: Is there any disadvantage to keeping the camera in continuous shoot mode? i.e In continuous I can react. Press once for one shot or hold for more.... If I am in single shot mode, if I want to change I have to fart about changing the mode and potentially missing some action along the way.
Whilst its unlikely this will happen, I just wondered whether continuous shoot mode changes any other parameters and whether my single shots in continuous mode would be any different to a single shot in single shot mode?
Also I have set up back button focus as I think it will be fun to play with. I have set the focus type to Servo (or continuous for Nikon) - is this sensible? Considering the focus is now on the button, when the button is not depressed the focus remains and should act like the "One shot" focus.
So the 70d is somewhat quicker than the 1100d and can shoot at 7fps (1100d was 3fps.)
Anyway my question is: Is there any disadvantage to keeping the camera in continuous shoot mode? i.e In continuous I can react. Press once for one shot or hold for more.... If I am in single shot mode, if I want to change I have to fart about changing the mode and potentially missing some action along the way.
Whilst its unlikely this will happen, I just wondered whether continuous shoot mode changes any other parameters and whether my single shots in continuous mode would be any different to a single shot in single shot mode?
Also I have set up back button focus as I think it will be fun to play with. I have set the focus type to Servo (or continuous for Nikon) - is this sensible? Considering the focus is now on the button, when the button is not depressed the focus remains and should act like the "One shot" focus.
Edited by russy01 on Tuesday 5th January 21:43
Question for you here....
So the 70d is somewhat quicker than the 1100d and can shoot at 7fps (1100d was 3fps.)
Anyway my question is: Is there any disadvantage to keeping the camera in continuous shoot mode? i.e In continuous I can react. Press once for one shot or hold for more.... If I am in single shot mode, if I want to change I have to fart about changing the mode and potentially missing some action along the way.
Whilst its unlikely this will happen, I just wondered whether continuous shoot mode changes any other parameters and whether my single shots in continuous mode would be any different to a single shot in single shot mode?
Also I have set up back button focus as I think it will be fun to play with. I have set the focus type to Servo (or continuous for Nikon) - is this sensible? Considering the focus is now on the button, when the button is not depressed the focus remains and should act like the "One shot" focus.
So the 70d is somewhat quicker than the 1100d and can shoot at 7fps (1100d was 3fps.)
Anyway my question is: Is there any disadvantage to keeping the camera in continuous shoot mode? i.e In continuous I can react. Press once for one shot or hold for more.... If I am in single shot mode, if I want to change I have to fart about changing the mode and potentially missing some action along the way.
Whilst its unlikely this will happen, I just wondered whether continuous shoot mode changes any other parameters and whether my single shots in continuous mode would be any different to a single shot in single shot mode?
Also I have set up back button focus as I think it will be fun to play with. I have set the focus type to Servo (or continuous for Nikon) - is this sensible? Considering the focus is now on the button, when the button is not depressed the focus remains and should act like the "One shot" focus.
Edited by russy01 on Tuesday 5th January 21:50
I sold a Nikon D40x to buy an 1100d purely for the video (and money was slim at the time) and from a photographic point of view it was a big step back. No remote, limited adjustability compared to the Nikon.
so at Christmas I upgraded to a 700d and its so much better, whilst not quite a 70d. But for me its great.
One thing worth trying with your focus problem is to put it in liveview mode and enlarge the view and manually focus from there. Not great if you're trying to photo anything moving but for everything else its worth a try.
so at Christmas I upgraded to a 700d and its so much better, whilst not quite a 70d. But for me its great.
One thing worth trying with your focus problem is to put it in liveview mode and enlarge the view and manually focus from there. Not great if you're trying to photo anything moving but for everything else its worth a try.
Tony Starks said:
I sold a Nikon D40x to buy an 1100d purely for the video (and money was slim at the time) and from a photographic point of view it was a big step back. No remote, limited adjustability compared to the Nikon.
so at Christmas I upgraded to a 700d and its so much better, whilst not quite a 70d. But for me its great.
One thing worth trying with your focus problem is to put it in liveview mode and enlarge the view and manually focus from there. Not great if you're trying to photo anything moving but for everything else its worth a try.
My dad has a d40x and swears by it! I nearly bought the 700d as it would have been plenty good enough for what I require, but everytime I went to buy it the 70d just get coming up!so at Christmas I upgraded to a 700d and its so much better, whilst not quite a 70d. But for me its great.
One thing worth trying with your focus problem is to put it in liveview mode and enlarge the view and manually focus from there. Not great if you're trying to photo anything moving but for everything else its worth a try.
russy01 said:
Anyway my question is: Is there any disadvantage to keeping the camera in continuous shoot mode? i.e In continuous I can react. Press once for one shot or hold for more.... If I am in single shot mode, if I want to change I have to fart about changing the mode and potentially missing some action along the way.
Whilst its unlikely this will happen, I just wondered whether continuous shoot mode changes any other parameters and whether my single shots in continuous mode would be any different to a single shot in single shot mode?
Also I have set up back button focus as I think it will be fun to play with. I have set the focus type to Servo (or continuous for Nikon) - is this sensible? Considering the focus is now on the button, when the button is not depressed the focus remains and should act like the "One shot" focus.
BBF is great, but make sure you remove it from the shutter button ( AE only not AE+AF) , AI Servo is OK I just dab the focus button when I want 'single'Whilst its unlikely this will happen, I just wondered whether continuous shoot mode changes any other parameters and whether my single shots in continuous mode would be any different to a single shot in single shot mode?
Also I have set up back button focus as I think it will be fun to play with. I have set the focus type to Servo (or continuous for Nikon) - is this sensible? Considering the focus is now on the button, when the button is not depressed the focus remains and should act like the "One shot" focus.
The only downsides of multiple shots is that you will take more duplicate images. its hard to take just one frame if you are trying to be careful about camera shake etc.
RobDickinson said:
BBF is great, but make sure you remove it from the shutter button ( AE only not AE+AF) , AI Servo is OK I just dab the focus button when I want 'single'
The only downsides of multiple shots is that you will take more duplicate images. its hard to take just one frame if you are trying to be careful about camera shake etc.
Cheers, I have removed from the shutter button and it seems to work ok. I will have a play about and see how I get on!The only downsides of multiple shots is that you will take more duplicate images. its hard to take just one frame if you are trying to be careful about camera shake etc.
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