My Canon 40D(Edited 02/21/08 ) Its back home.

[Shutterbug]

so right now I am doing this :woohoo: as well as doing this :eek:

Any quick shooting tips would also be appreciated.

Now off to read the novel, I mean manual.

[We-Luv-Disney]

Congratulations!!! I am a 40D owner and love it!! Don't be afraid to use the high ISO levels! The 40D retains great detail in the higher ISO levels. Also play around with the standard image settings, the default setting gives kind of a soft flat look, bumping up the contrast, sharpness, saturation a bit in the camera makes a big difference. Also you might want to pick up some more memory, those 40D files are a bit large, I think I got about 650 RAW files on a 8GB card. Happy shooting:thumbsup2

[MarkBarbieri]

I'm big on taking off the lens cap before shooting. I find that my pictures come out underexposed if I leave it on.

I have to admit that I find the "stimulus" stuff kind of confusing. I could swear that they were complaining that we don't save enough a few months ago. Now, with the economy slowing down they appear to be saying that we should save less. I hope they don't mind if I ignore them and just do what seems best for me and my family.

[DVC Jen]

Congratulations! How exciting. Can't wait to see your photos with it.

[Shutterbug]

How long does it take to charge a fully drained battery?

edited..nevermind

[kmp1191]

I'm jealous!!
I'm thinking about upgrading from the 20D to the 40D....are there major differences?

[PixieDust40904]

I bought my DH the 40D for his birthday back in Oct. He absolutely loves it. It's our first DLSR camera and he brings it almost anywhere we go. He's still learning how to use it and is trying to teach me as well. We can't wait until next year to get some great shots on our Disney vacation. Enjoy!

[PoohJen]

Congratulations!!! I'm jealous!!!

I saw this "missing manual" for the 40D on Amazon; had some favorable reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-Guide-Digital-Photography/dp/1598635107/ref=pd_sim_p_title_3

[mabas9395]

I have a Rebel XT and played with the 40D last week at the store. I can't wait for my XT to break down so I can upgrade. I might even try some underwater photography with it! (no, I don't have a case)

[boBQuincy]

I have to admit that I find the "stimulus" stuff kind of confusing. I could swear that they were complaining that we don't save enough a few months ago. Now, with the economy slowing down they appear to be saying that we should save less. I hope they don't mind if I ignore them and just do what seems best for me and my family.

Saving money is distinctly unpatriotic!
;)

[handicap18]

I'm jealous!!
I'm thinking about upgrading from the 20D to the 40D....are there major differences?

From what I recall the Canon people saying, there wasn't much of a difference between the 20D and 30D, but there are a lot of differences between the 20D and 40D.

I have a buddy who has a 20D and 30D. He got his 30D about a month before the 40D was announced. Last week he put his 20D on Ebay and bought the 40D because of all the differences. His 30D is now his backup camera for his photo jobs.

[kmp1191]

Thanks for the info....gonna have to start researching the 40D tonight.

[Shutterbug]

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

So I am the Detroit Auto Show today....the BIG auto show. Today was a special day. If you showed up with a camera you could go in an early hour before the general public. So I take out my new camera that came with a 28-135 ultrasonic lens with image stabilization and take some photos. Well after the first 8 photos, the lens starts making this constant noise and refused to focus. Then when I take a pic I get an error message saying camera cant connect with lens.

Well I take the lens off and reseat it. Lens starts immediately starts doing it again. I spend about 15 minutes fiddling with before I say @#$&#*#*.
Fortunatley I had brought along two other lens' of my old slr, a 50mm and 75-300mm. UNFORTUNATLEY I didnt bring my old 24-70 reg slr lens. I mean why would I bring that one when I have BRAND NEW lens? :headache:
So try out the other lenses and they work fine but each time I use that new one it starts doing it again. At a car show a 50mm wont help. You really need to be faaaaar away to get the whole car in. So I went through out the morning doing what I could and getting what type of pics I could but at 9 the place started getting crowded fast. So if I stood back far enough to get the car in all these people would get in front. So I switched off and between the 50mm and the 75-300 trying to do unique close ups instead of wheels and engines and other things. I tried the new lens off and on...still wouldnt work..ugghhh.
So I get back home and I try the lens one more time...its works..GRRRRRRRR
Doesnt matter am taking the whole kit back tomorrow and getting a new one.

[boBQuincy]

15 minutes before saying @#$&#*#* ?
Wow, you have *patience*! ;) I would have said that (for starters) in about 15 seconds.

[Gdad]

Saving money is distinctly unpatriotic!
;)

Thanks for that ;)

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I have to admit that I find the "stimulus" stuff kind of confusing. I could swear that they were complaining that we don't save enough a few months ago.

Not exactly Sam Eagle :), but:

Actually what's best for the economy (as I understand it) is when you continue to *buy* with money you have ... not credit. You should put your credit cards away, and save so you have 'real money' to buy things with.

If no one is buying, and everyone is saving every penny, no need for goods means no need for jobs and a dying economy. :sad2:

[DVC Jen]

Just curious how things went at the store - were you able to return/replace the camera or lens without any hassles?

[jann1033]

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

So I am the Detroit Auto Show today....the BIG auto show. Today was a special day. If you showed up with a camera you could go in an early hour before the general public. So I take out my new camera that came with a 28-135 ultrasonic lens with image stabilization and take some photos. Well after the first 8 photos, the lens starts making this constant noise and refused to focus. Then when I take a pic I get an error message saying camera cant connect with lens.

Well I take the lens off and reseat it. Lens starts immediately starts doing it again. I spend about 15 minutes fiddling with before I say @#$&#*#*.
Fortunatley I had brought along two other lens' of my old slr, a 50mm and 75-300mm. UNFORTUNATLEY I didnt bring my old 24-70 reg slr lens. I mean why would I bring that one when I have BRAND NEW lens? :headache:
So try out the other lenses and they work fine but each time I use that new one it starts doing it again. At a car show a 50mm wont help. You really need to be faaaaar away to get the whole car in. So I went through out the morning doing what I could and getting what type of pics I could but at 9 the place started getting crowded fast. So if I stood back far enough to get the car in all these people would get in front. So I switched off and between the 50mm and the 75-300 trying to do unique close ups instead of wheels and engines and other things. I tried the new lens off and on...still wouldnt work..ugghhh.
So I get back home and I try the lens one more time...its works..GRRRRRRRR
Doesnt matter am taking the whole kit back tomorrow and getting a new one.

evidently it's ne ohio that gets the batches of lousy 28-135 lenses;) ...i would take the whole thing back though cause they never did figure out if it was my lens or the body( xt) connecting with the lens that made the lens malfuction

how irritating though

[Shutterbug]

Well I have been using the new camera quite often. The thing I have noticed though is that the photos dont look anywhere as sharp as the first batch of photos I took at the autoshow with the first camera and lens. I dont know if its me or the camera.

Now all the new photos have been taken on overcast days so I am not sure if the lack of light has had anything to do with it.


Here is a photo I took today followed by a croped area at 1:1 ratio and then also the focus points.

The setting where:
Camera was mounted on tripod
Aperature priority
Fstop:7.1
Shutter: .3
ISO 100
focal length 135
Also the IS was turned ON

Here is the link to the large size photo:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2209/2250069230_94599b1a85_b.jpg

Cropped area of the rock at full size:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2354/2249272389_0f04104560_o.jpg


What my focus points were:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2029/2249272587_88dc04582b.jpg

[Anewman]

IS turned ON while on a tripod??

Not saying that is the problem, but why?

[Shutterbug]

IS turned ON while on a tripod??

Not saying that is the problem, but why?

Because earlier photos seemed blurry so I figured I would rule out at much movement as possible by using IS and the tripod.

[ukcatfan]

Because earlier photos seemed blurry so I figured I would rule out at much movement as possible by using IS and the tripod.

Having IS on while on a tripod can cause blurring. Are you using a remote shutter release? If not, you could be causing the problem when you press the shutter. Also, is the tripod sturdy enough to handle the camera and lens?

Kevin

[Shutterbug]

Having IS on while on a tripod can cause blurring.
Kevin

Really? I didnt know that. Okay that is something I will try.
What would cause that though?

Are you using a remote shutter release? If not, you could be causing the problem when you press the shutter. Also, is the tripod sturdy enough to handle the camera and lens?

Kevin

Yes the tripod is a good sturdy tripod, at least IMO it is.
I am not using a remote shutter release but I did use the timer with mirror lock up.

[We-Luv-Disney]

On no!!! You are not supposed to use the Image Stabilization on this lens on a tripod!:scared1: I believe it states in this lens manual that it can damage the IS system. On a side note, I had two copies of the 28-135 IS, neither were very sharp, the second being a real dog!

[Shutterbug]

On no!!! You are not supposed to use the Image Stabilization on this lens on a tripod!:scared1: I believe it states in this lens manual that it can damage the IS system. On a side note, I had two copies of the 28-135 IS, neither were very sharp, the second being a real dog!

:scared1:

ack! okay I will get the manual out once again. I read through it again last night albeit it was late.

(edited) Wait, you said lens manual? I dont even remember seeing that in the box. I will get back in the box and look for that.

Thanks for pointing that out :)
feeling like such a noob now...lol

[Metallicat]

I got rid of my 28-135 IS lens because I didn't think it was sharp enough, but I thought you could use it on a tri-pod as long as the IS was turned off. :confused3

[jann1033]

just ignoring the obvious problems with quality control and the 28-135 lens:rolleyes1 when i talked to the head of tech support about mine (at canon) he said the is "on" while on a tripod won't usually hurt the lens( even though the book says it will) but it can mess up the focus...mine it doesn't since i forgot to turn it off once(:eek: ) but why use it there...

try the is on handheld in low light and off handheld low light same setting etc and you should be able to see if the is is working...they had to replace my is part 2 times on the first lens...it started with not focusing the proceeded to stopping the shutter button from moving( thinking maybe the lens was trying to auto focus and couldn't?) . it was first only noticable when i bent the camera lens down , ie to take a macro shot. then later didn't matter how the camera was aimed...anyway, that lens can be great( i really am happy with copy #2) or can be horrendous. i don't really get why they are selling that as the kit( except maybe to get rid of old stock) since one support person told me sometimes it doesn't connect well electronically to the newer bodies...which is why they wanted my rebel xt body and ended up replacing that and the lens.

[Golf4food]

I think this thread may have convinced me to go body-only when I get a 40D and just find my own lens if the 28-135 is so eratic. I have an 18-125 non-IS for our walk around now and love the versatility, so I was going to just get the 40D kit, but not if there is a very good chance of that kit lens being a piece of junk...

[PoohJen]

yeah, likewise I'm dismayed at all the 28-135 IS bad press here. The price for body only vs price +kit made the kit lens look like a very good deal (vs buying that same lens alone). hmmm...

Meanwhile, I'm waiting for the recently announced but yet to be for sale Sigma 18-125 OS (same idea as the IS) to come out...my current walk around is broken, so I may go ahead and be a guinea pig for the new OS lens as soon as it is out.:scared:

[jann1033]

yeah, likewise I'm dismayed at all the 28-135 IS bad press here. The price for body only vs price +kit made the kit lens look like a very good deal (vs buying that same lens alone). hmmm...

Meanwhile, I'm waiting for the recently announced but yet to be for sale Sigma 18-125 OS (same idea as the IS) to come out...my current walk around is broken, so I may go ahead and be a guinea pig for the new OS lens as soon as it is out.:scared:
I just read a review on pop photo about the tamron 28-300 is ( or what ever they call it) that said that lens was pretty good for a consumer type lens...it's about $600 street..might be a consideration if you need a new one anyway...by the time you get 2 is lenses for that range you'd be way over that $ anyway...plus it controls vertical diagonal and horizontal shake.

one thing imo to remember about the 28-135 though is it was one of the first( or maybe the first) is lens so you gotta figure it probably would be surpassed by lenses now plus the electronics may be wonky with the new stuff( not that i know electronics , just would seem to be likely to me) that is just why i don't get canon selling it with the 40d...why not sell something to show off the camera's ability not hinder it..but i guess that is" kit lenses" a lot anyway

[aeryn]

So, since I'm just about to buy my 40d, I've been researching what lens to get as a good 'walk around' lens. Do y'all have any recommendations? I live 30 minutes from the Parks, so I'm there all the time. I'll be taking park shots and probably some pet shots too :)

[handicap18]

Well I have been using the new camera quite often. The thing I have noticed though is that the photos dont look anywhere as sharp as the first batch of photos I took at the autoshow with the first camera and lens. I dont know if its me or the camera.

Now all the new photos have been taken on overcast days so I am not sure if the lack of light has had anything to do with it.


Here is a photo I took today followed by a croped area at 1:1 ratio and then also the focus points.

The setting where:
Camera was mounted on tripod
Aperature priority
Fstop:7.1
Shutter: .3
ISO 100
focal length 135
Also the IS was turned ON

Here is the link to the large size photo:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2209/2250069230_94599b1a85_b.jpg

Cropped area of the rock at full size:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2354/2249272389_0f04104560_o.jpg


What my focus points were:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2029/2249272587_88dc04582b.jpg


I personally don't like using multiple focus points. I like to stay with one and prefer that I choose which so so I can choose where my focus is going to be. I don't like having the camera choose what the focus point should be. Looking at this picture the rock is above the water yet the camera is trying to focus on both at the same time. f/7.1 is a pretty sharp aperture, but if others are saying that they've had experiences with this lens in the past that leads them to believe it isn't very sharp may have something to do with. Combine the mulltiple focus points with a possible soft lens with IS on while on a tripod can give you multilple reasons for a soft image.

Here is a question and answer from dlcphotography.net regarding Canon IS lenses on a tripod:

Q: What about IS and tripods ?

A: There are some rumors about there that state that the IS gets damaged when activated on a tripod. This is obviously just nonsense. This is what you can read in the manual: "Do not set the image stabilizer switch to 'I' when using the camera on a tripod. Doing so may cause the image stabilizer to act erratically. Turn the image stabilizer off before using the camera on a tripod.". Further more this is only true for the following lenses:

EF 28-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 USM IS
EF 75-300 mm f/4-5.6 USM IS
EF 300 mm f/4 USM L IS
EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 USM L IS

Here is the explanation from Chuck Westfall (Canon USA):

"The IS mechanism operates by correcting shake. When there is no shake, or when the level of shake is below the threshold of the system's detection capability, use of the IS feature may actually *add* unwanted blur to the photograph, therefore you should shut it off in this situation. Remember that the IS lens group is normally locked into place. When the IS function is active, the IS lens group is unlocked so it can be moved by the electromagnetic coil surrounding the elements. When there's not enough motion for the IS system to detect, the result can sometimes be a sort of electronic 'feedback loop,' somewhat analogous to the ringing noise of an audio feedback loop we're all familiar with. As a result, the IS lens group might move while the lens is on a tripod, unless the IS function is switched off and the IS lens group is locked into place."

Some of the newer IS lenses have a "tripod-detection" mode to help avoid this problem.

[Chaoster]

there is a lot of good info on the dpreview.com forum.

[Shutterbug]

Well after a few more days of trying things (IS off and such) I am still getting soft photos. I also have been dealing with underexposure with this camera as well.
So its back to the store and try for a replacement. The other option is to call canon and send it in to them. :headache:

Too bad the lens messed up on the first camera kit. The photos from that one were great!

[Shutterbug]

talked to canon today, they suggest I send it in to have them look at it.
so I packed it up the body and the lens and shipped it out UPS...with insurance on it.

[PoohJen]

What a drag; hope they straighten it out for you!

I worry that in my amateur state I wouldn't know if I had a slightly-bum camera. Truth be told, I've never felt my Rebel XT pics were quite "right". I love the ability to take action shots, and have some great stop action photos, but I've never been thrilled with the sharpness or color in everyday shots. Never certain if its the lenses, the camera or me.:confused3

[Shutterbug]

According to UPS tracking it arrived there this morning.

Now to wait on Canon. I included my email on the paper work I sent with it. Supposedly you will get faster updates on your equipment that way.

[geetey]

What a drag; hope they straighten it out for you!

I worry that in my amateur state I wouldn't know if I had a slightly-bum camera. Truth be told, I've never felt my Rebel XT pics were quite "right". I love the ability to take action shots, and have some great stop action photos, but I've never been thrilled with the sharpness or color in everyday shots. Never certain if its the lenses, the camera or me.:confused3
I understand that feeling completely, Jen. My mom gave a good "jolt" to my camera (dropped it but caught it before impact) and since then, things seem a little off. I have done the focus test and it comes back okay. :confused3 I am just afraid to send it off to get checked.

Good luck, Shutterbug! I hope you get your camera back quickly, with all parts working spectacularly! I was playing with a 40D the other day and it is sweet!

[Shutterbug]

My camera just got there today and I already got an email from them this afternoon

Status:
Accepted
13-FEB-08

We have received your equipment for evaluation and repair. Based on our initial examination, we will start the necessary repairs at no charge to you. You can expect the repair to be completed and returned back to you within approximately 7 business days* from the date shown above. There is no need to respond to this notice.

Please note that in the unlikely event that any additional internal damage is found due to liquid/water, sand, corrosion, battery leakage or impact (such as dropping the unit), a revised estimate will be sent for your authorization, since these conditions are specifically excluded from warranty coverage.

Thank you for purchasing Canon products and for allowing us this opportunity to serve you.

Then it also had link to track my repair status.
Now whats wierd is that sent me two of these emails but each one had a different repair number. One for the camera AND one for the lens. I wonder if that means each of them had a problem then...hmmmmm

[jann1033]

i always got mine back in time except the time they sent it somewhere else for more testing but they let me know first...hope it gets fixed for you

[Shutterbug]

Well it arrived back home exactly one week after it was sent out.
Camera and lens arrived last Monday (the 18th) via fed-ex next day service.

Although something wierd about it.
On Saturday the 16th I got an email from Canon saying one of the work orders was complete and was sent out overnight delivery along with a tracking number. Well it was the work order for the lens. Well I call and ask to see if the camera was done as well and maybe I just didnt get an email about it too
Well the person I talked to told me that the camera was not done, repairs had been made but was scheduled to be inspected by the QC manager on Tuesday. I thought that was wierd that they would send the lens back with camera. I asked to see if they gave any details on what they fixed. She said the notes she had said the camera was front focusing.

Well on Monday I called them again to make sure they were also sending back the original camera box I had send it in.
While on the phone with a different person than before I again asked about the camera body. Her response was the same. It showed that it was due to be inspected the following day by the QC manager then sent out.

I kept checking Fedex's site to see when they tried to deliver to my place. It was sent indirect signature so that someone would have to sign for it or they would leave a note. About 2ish I see finally they tried to deliver it but left a call tag.

After work I go home get the tag, go to the fedex place. There I get this big box. A big box for a not that big of a lens. I get home and open the box to fin the lens AND the camera! :confused:

Well the next morning I check my email and there is an email from Canon dated the 19th but saying that the body was fixed on the 15th and sent out.
:confused: :confused:

I am happy to have both back but am wondering if they missed a step. I called and asked them about it. Saying I had been told that the camera was supposed be checked by the QC manager today but how can he/she do that when I have it already?

Well now their computer was telling them that everything had been checked out completely already :confused: and they didnt know why it said something different the day before:confused:

Oh well. I am glad I got it back. I will try and use it the next few days to see if it is indeed fixed