Canon SLR Troubleshooting and Comments

[jlgurr]

Jeff, the "easy button" is seldom the right choice. You should learn to use a more deterministic mode of operation, like Av so that you have some degree of control over the outcome. It is quite possible that in Automatic mode the camera even decides which ISO value to use.

Then you decide whether to have the aperture fully open or use a moderate value like F8-F11 to get better depth of field (assuming there is enough light.

Hey Westcliffe,

You nailed it. That was my original plan but seems like every time I "almost" have mastered how to use those things I revert back to p&s because it's simpler. Obviously, the results are not what the camera is really capable of. So, there is always room for improvement.

Thank you,
Jeff

 

[jlgurr]

Canon's DPP - Digital Photo Professional. It should be on the CD that came with your camera. Install that first and then go to the Canon website and find the DPP updates for your Rebel xti. The update can not be installed without having a previous version installed. If you don't have the CD, download this original version of DPP and install prior to using the updates >>> http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/sdl/data/dpp100-e.exe

Canon updates at >>>> Support

Mark,

This is good info, thank you for sharing!

 

[jcummins]

Hey Ronnie,

I bought the T5i. The T6 was a good bit more and to replace my T1 was more expensive than the T5. Can't wait to put it to some use this weekend.

When I tossed the last point and shoot camera my choice was DSLR for the reason of increasing my lens choices and a HUGE improvement in flash photos with the Speedlite on the Canon. I've even "fixed" some less than perfect scenes outdoors with a flash. It's clear my primary choice of full auto is not taking full advantage of the DSLR body but hopefully that will change in time.

When I have made some photos with the new T5i I'll post them up here for comparison.

Jeff

I've found the biggest problem I've had with the xti is focus. It does not do a good job if your subject doesn't have a lot of edges to focus on. I recent took pics of bee frames that was in a frame holder, camera on tripod, and still the focus was off. I had it in auto mode. I also had the AF on one shot, which might have been part of the problem. But I did some testing last night with of leaves on the trees....using all sorts of different settings, but couldn't ducplicate the problem.

So...I'm interested to know how your T5i compares to the XTi.

 

[jcummins]

jlgurr....any feedback on your xti versus t5i

 

[jlgurr]

Hey jcummins,

We recently returned from a visit with family in Michigan and we used our new T5i there. It could be the same camera as compared to the T1i we replaced but there are some new features and user interfaces, such as the touch screen. It takes better photos than the T1i in auto mode (using all my same lenses) but using Westcliffe's suggestion I started using manual mode more frequently. Now those pictures really look nice! So, there is where I am going to keep practicing with my photos until it becomes second nature.

At the end of the day, we can see better photos overall and the new features are neat although some we may never use, such as video. We had the T1 for so long it had become like an extended part of the family and hate to set it to the side. The new one "feels" pretty much the same, although maybe a tad lighter and more rubberized texture on holding areas. You might laugh but the one thing that bugs me most about the new camera is the sound of the mirror. I know, sounds crazy, but the mirror was a crisp action in the T1 and in this T5 it sounds almost floppy. Like a lazier motion. Can't explain it better than that really. It's a slower sounding action.

At least now we have better photos AND I've learned from you guys how much better they can be when using the aperture and shutter speeds correctly.

Thank you all!

 

[IslandTractor]

Aperture and shutter speed are important but so is ISO. Familiarize yourself with ISO too, especially the high end that gives acceptable results. Probably around 1600 for your camera. Don't use high ISO all the time but it's useful for action even in good light.

 

[jlgurr]

Aperture and shutter speed are important but so is ISO. Familiarize yourself with ISO too, especially the high end that gives acceptable results. Probably around 1600 for your camera. Don't use high ISO all the time but it's useful for action even in good light.

Good point. I'll add that as my time behind the viewfinder increases. When I had a film 35mm my ISO use was pretty much 100 outside and 400 inside. Obviously much more flexibility these days. I've had fun with white balance lately also.

 

[dragoneggs]

Besides light which is the essence of photography, one must master, aperture, shutter, and ISO... period.

 

[RobertN]

If you buy used check the frame count. Some camera's have the software, or the software is available online. Most camera's have a spec for lifetime frame count if you search for it.

Nice thing about used digital camera is that you can test them before buying. I've bought many. Great deals. Check out a used 40d,50d,60d. All better than what you are replacing and less than a new Rebel.

 

[RobertN]

Try this. I never use my SLR, DSLR now, or film SLR in the past, in AUTO mode. I usually use Aperture Priority so I control depth of field, or Manual mode so I can control everything.

OP, try some Aperture Priority or manual settings. Try to get a mid setting for aperture, and a shutter speed 2x you lens length(ie shutter = 200 is you have lense at 100mm)

Jeff, the "easy button" is seldom the right choice. You should learn to use a more deterministic mode of operation, like Av so that you have some degree of control over the outcome. It is quite possible that in Automatic mode the camera even decides which ISO value to use.

Then you decide whether to have the aperture fully open or use a moderate value like F8-F11 to get better depth of field (assuming there is enough light.