Canon 500D (Rebel T1i, Kiss X3)

[zackiedawg]

Curious...are you saying the problem is that it was taking a bunch of shots really fast when you only wanted 1?

Or are you saying that you were taking shots in fast succession as you wanted to, and then the flash suddenly caused everything to slow down with the 'busy' indicator on the screen?

Just trying to determine which thing is the problem - the pause and delay when using flash, or the really fast shots all in a row.

The shots all in a row, as indicated, probably means somehow you got into your continuous shooting mode. Somewhere there is a button on your camera, or a control in the menu, for the frame/shooting mode. Usually you have choices like Single, Continuous, 2sec Timer, bracketing, etc. Single would be the 'normal' mode.

If the problem is the delay with the flash, that could simply be because the flash needs time to recharge before the next shot - this will become noticeably slower too as you either take more shots, or use full power on the flash. The built-in flashes are not great and not fast - most folks intending to take lots of flash shots would buy an external flash unit.

Clarify your problem, and hopefully someone here can help.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm thinking that if it's in continuous mode WITH the flash (maybe indoors on Auto???), it would "busy" up pretty quickly after a few frames shot in quick succession with the flash.

 

[photo_chick]

This sounds like a user issue and not a camera issue.

 

[VVFF]

You overheated the built in flash. It will then go through a cool down cycle which prevents you from destroying it.

 

[SrisonS]

I'm with the others in thinking there might not be a real problem here.

Is your camera on Auto (green rectangle on the dial)??? And does the flash pop up on it's own (which would mean you're in an auto type of setting)???

If the answer is yes to both of those, your camera might be acting pretty normal. And the flash will pop up if the camera thinks your subject is too dark.

As far as continuous shooting; is this your first dslr??? I know that when I hand my T1i to someone to take a picture of me, sometimes they take like 3 pictures and not even know it. It's that fast.

 

[Jax1023]

I have a T1i, and its sounds like you turned on continous shooting accidentaly.

First, are you actually in auto (green box)? or another mode like sports.

Try hitting the left most button in the circle, it has a bunch of stacked buttons next to it. This will open the shooting mode, make sure you have it in single shooting mode.

It sounds like you are taking pictures indoors some place dark which requires flash in continous mode. This will overheat the flash and cause it to read as busy. Also, depending on you memory card you may be filling up the buffer taking continuos shots.

The default for sports mode (little running man on the top dial) seems to be continous shooting, so make sure you are not in that mode. If you want auto use the green box.

 

[southernbelle_amy]

Thanks for the help so far. The issue is that I want it to be able to take several shots in a row. I have it indoors on auto, and the flash pops up. If I just turned it on it can take probably ~15-20 shots in a row with hardly any delay. Then it starts saying it is "busy" and is taking at least 5-8 seconds to be able to take another picture. I am not going to usually take so many repeat shots indoors, but again I was just doing some test shots when this started and didn't know if that was normal or not?

It is on single mode shooting

 

[mom2rtk]

You can only use the flash so many times in a row before it needs to recharge. This is referred to as "recycle time". Is your room well lit? Any chance you can up the ISO and try taking some without a flash?

 

[Jax1023]

Try putting it in auto no flash and see if that fixes it, you are likely overheating the flash and the camera is stopping you from taking pictures in order to avoid breaking it.

Also, if you are using an older memory card, you could be filling up the buffer.

 

[southernbelle_amy]

okay thanks guys. I didn't know if it was me or the camera. Also has anyone gotten a DVD or extra book about the T1i, was it useful?

One more thing, after several flash pics, what is normal "recycle" time.

 

[MICKEY88]

there is no normal per se, recycle time cn be effected by battery strength, level of flash, etc

example, if you take a flash photo of something 20 ft aaway, the recycle time will be longer than it would be for a photo in which your subject is 5 ft away,

ambient light levels will laso effect the power of the flash on any given shot, this in turn will effect the recycle time

 

[hughtopia]

I have a T1i as well and your issue might also be the speed of your memory card. The higher the "class" of the card means the faster the camera can write to it. As you take more pictures the buffer will fill up writing to slower cards and give you the "BUSY" warning. I suggest using at least a "class 6" card for the T1i. That's especially so if you'll be using the video feature.

As for the best book, my wife and I both read through the "T1iFor Dummies" book and it really helped get us started.

Welcome to the Canon family!

 

[cosmocricket]

I experienced the same issue as you when I got my T1i and was puzzled by it. I researched the issue and came to the conclusion that this is completely normal. As previous posters said it comes down to your flash needing to recycle so it doesn't burn up. I have found that since I learned to take photos in manual mode I don't seem to have those issues at all anymore...and that's mostly because I take most of my photos without flash. As for the book...with my last camera I bought the Digital Field Guide because that's what everyone seemed to recommend but that book was just too far over my head. The Dummies Guide to the T1i talks in layman terms and is easy to understand. I've been reading through it and have learned so much from it. Order it online through Amazon...the local bookstores are way too expensive. Don't give up the T1i...it's so much better than the Nikon D3000 that I sold. You'll be amazed what it can do!

 

[MichelleB]

Anyone know the best type of sd card to have for this camera?

 

[AlbertZeroK]

I religiously use Sandisk Memory Cards. Look for Class 6 cards if you want to do video recording without any issues. I have Class 10 cards for my T2i's which are even faster.

If you want to shoot pictures in continuous mode as fast as possible, you'll want a class 6 or class 10 card.

 

[SrisonS]

I religiously use Sandisk Memory Cards. Look for Class 6 cards if you want to do video recording without any issues. I have Class 10 cards for my T2i's which are even faster.

If you want to shoot pictures in continuous mode as fast as possible, you'll want a class 6 or class 10 card.

I'd go with these suggestions too. I've mainly been using a Class 6, and haven't had any real problems. But the video can still be a little jumpy at times (at the largest setting anyway). And I JUST bought a Class 10 a couple of days ago. I haven't tested what it can really do though.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

I just bought the G11 as a second camera. I love the T1i that I have, but sometimes I just don't feel like lugging such a big camera, which is the main reason I would never go with a full frame camera. (I think that's what they are called!) Normally I would have never even considered NOT taking my DSLR, but lately my 50mm 1.8 lens hasn't been working all that reliably. Other than that lens, I own a 70-200 f4 and the kit lens. I'll be leaving my DSLR in the room when I go to Universal and Sea World, because I hate leaving my camera in a locker. I love how you can take your comera on everything at Disney. I keep going back and forth, yes take the T1i, no, don't bother, yes, etc.

Any advice? Does anyone own the G11?

ETA: I am taking my tripod!

 

[Docarino]

I would bring both and then decide each day. I'd hate to leave one at home and then decide midway through that you'd rather have the other.

 

[MichelleB]

I am trying to decide on an sd card for my new canon t1i. I was going to go with Sandisk but noticed they're double the price of a Delkin. I am going with a class 10 but don't know if it'd be smarter to go with the sandisk. Anyone???

 

[DisneyFreak06]

I would bring both and then decide each day. I'd hate to leave one at home and then decide midway through that you'd rather have the other.

Good point! Thanks.