Canon T5 question

[luvmyfam444]

I just bought this camera a couple of weeks ago, so I'm still trying to figure it out.
I googled, but haven't found the answer & couldn't find it on youtube either
How do you use the screen for taking pics? If I click the display button it doesn't let me take pics from there.
I have taken a few gorgeous shots - but I have to take 500 to get 50. Many of my pics are blurry when I upload them, so I think I need to use that screen like I used to on old Cannons, then I know for a fact I got a good pic

 

[havoc315]

I don't know the Canon T5 particularly, so not sure where the "live view" button... BUT..
Getting sharp pictures is a combination of many factors. But for the most part, you will get sharper pictures using the viewfinder than using the screen. "Blurry" shots is the result of not properly focusing the camera, and/or too slow of shutter speed causing motion blur and/or failing to having good camera gripping/shooting technique, resulting in camera shake.

As to this last factor... Camera shake --- You get much better balance when you use the viewfinder (holding the camera against your eye). You are basically using your forehead to help balance the camera, turning your body into a tripod. It is much harder to get a sharp photo using the LCD screen, as you are holding the camera out, making it harder to balance, adding camera shake. For that reason, I try to avoid using the live view screen, unless I'm shooting with an actual tripod. Very hard to avoid camera shake when using the screen.

 

[klmall]

I have used my Canon T4i for years and almost always use the Viewfinder. In fact, I would never buy a camera without one. Remember also, that if you are taking pictures in raw fromat what you actually see on the LCD is a jpeg version; not sure if that's what you're doing but that was something I didn't know at first.

 

[photo_chick]

What you are experiencing is not uncommon. There is a learning curve when you change auto focus systems. When I went from a 35mm SLR to a DSLR with a very different AF system it took me a good 6 months to get to know the system where I knew I would nail the focus nearly every time. And i've experienced a similar, though on a much smaller scale, learning curve with each new DSLR body I've purchased.

There are many factors that could be causing your missed focus but without seeing example images it's very hard to pin one down. My advice would be to learn how our camera's AF system works first. Understand that the red square doesn't necessarily mean it's focused on what you want it to be, you still have to visually verify. Also check that your diopter is adjusted for you. To do that take the lens off, point the camera at a brightly lit white wall, and adjust the dipper until the etchings in the view finder are at their sharpest. Because if you're not seeing clearly though the diopter you'll think things are in focus when they are not.

I also advocate using the view finder over the screen. Otherwise why did you just plunk all that cash down for a DSLR? You're more stable holding the camera, less prone to shake and better able to determine if something is actually in focus through a properly adjusted viewfinder.

 

[SkaGoat]

To answer you question, the Live View button is the button with the pictogram of the back of the camera, just to the right of the viewfinder. It's got a little red dot above and to the left of it.