ok,so ive recently bought this camera, im playing with it, trying to get some close ups shots of ladybugs in my garden. ive tried every setting on the dial, but nothing happening the way i want it to. ive tried the zoom in zoom out buttons and got as close as possible but still nothing and it just comes out blurred then. twisted the lens to every possible setting but same thing. i cant find any solutions in the manuals, im stuck. keep pressing the zoom to zoom and it does it but then when the shot is taken its far away the zoom aint working. theres a 5x zoom and 10x zoom. help!
@lilbrituk I think the x5 & x10 zoom is for live view mode - that's just zooming into a portion of the picture to help with manual focus. To actual zoom in, you would need to twist the lens (assuming you have the kit 18-55 zoom lens).
Try setting the dial to 'P' mode, and ensure you are at least the minimum focus distance away from the subject (I think it's 25cm for the kit lens), frame your shot with the lens, depress the shutter halfway to make sure you get an autofocus confirmation beep and then take the shot.
If the camera is not auto-focusing - check the lens is set to autofocus. It's a switch on the barrel. If it is, you might be too close to the subject so try backing away a little.
Hope that helps.
Oh and if you're using live view - it has different focus modes, so you might want to try different settings. My instructions assumed you'd be using the viewfinder, but I've realised if it's actually letting you take an out-of-focus shot you might be using live view.
are you using same camera then? yeah i have the 18-55 lens, but still not working. its set to AF. not sure what it is im using, im using the flippy screeny thing (dont know what its called but anyway). to view my shot.
is that the T3i? Did you twist the lens to the 55 to bring it to its closest. Then get as close as you can to get an focus confirmation. then take it off autofocus (with the button on the lens) and then, using the viewfinder not the screen, go back in until it is in focus again and take the picture. Use the P mode. Try and see if that helps. Or go back to your store, if you're still having problems and have them show you, that way you can make sure there's not a problem with the camera or lens.
@lilbrituk I use a Canon 1000D which is similar but the model below. I turned off 'live view' (i.e. framing the shot using the screen on the back) when I first got the camera as it just caused frustration in the beginning. To test the lens/camera, I would avoid using live view and use the viewfinder. You will still be able to review the shot after it's taken on the screen.
@lilbrituk I have the same camera, if you look at my albums you can see what you should be able to do with the 18-55 lens, including a fair few ladybirds. I never shoot on live view, (the flippy screen thing!) I find it takes the camera ages to focus. Put it on auto focus settings and to do the close ups the flower icon (for macro shots). You should be able to twist the lens to 55 to get the closest view, put your subject in the centre (it should beep) and then take the shot. It did take me a while to get the hang of it too. My main advice is don't use the live view screen, use the viewfinder.
@lauralatham totally agree with you there Laura - I've had the 600D for a month and I've not used the screen to take a photo, would always use the viewfinder. It does take some getting used to .....it's a great camera @lilbrituk - just persevere with it !
@lilbrituk This is the best camera i have had and the camera i have shot my entire project. The live view is an issue, it flips and beeps when you focus and you usually think you got a picture but you don't. But that is a minor issue. There's a lot you can do with that camera. It's superb.
@sharonaddison agree its great - bit fiddly and alot to take in and learn as im only a beginner - in fact even less than a beginner lol, but im definately not giving up, i WiLL master it :D
@lilbrituk yes, don't give up....can I recommend a book to buy? I spent a while researching a good Canon 600D book, and I found this which is really really helpful and interesting :
David Busch's Canon Eos Rebel T3I/600D Guide to Digital SLR Photography
@lilbrituk yes, as @lauralatham says. there is a little button with a camera on it to the right of the viewfinder. pressing that lets you alternate between live view screen and viewfinder.
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Try setting the dial to 'P' mode, and ensure you are at least the minimum focus distance away from the subject (I think it's 25cm for the kit lens), frame your shot with the lens, depress the shutter halfway to make sure you get an autofocus confirmation beep and then take the shot.
If the camera is not auto-focusing - check the lens is set to autofocus. It's a switch on the barrel. If it is, you might be too close to the subject so try backing away a little.
Hope that helps.
http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_100mm_f_2_8_macro_usm
David Busch's Canon Eos Rebel T3I/600D Guide to Digital SLR Photography
It's not too expensive on amazon