EOS 10D or Point and Shoot

[msd1962]

I have a EOS 10D with a sigma 17-35 mm 1:2.8-4. I it works great in any lighting if I am still and take the picture, even if the object is moving. On the rides I set it to 800 iso TV 45 or 60 and some pictures are good, but has major problem deciding what to focus on and get lots of soft focus pictures.

I have been debating getting a canon Point and Shoot that I can still set the speed but they may focus better. Any suggestions on a Point and Shoot for $500 or less or what I can do to make my 10D take better pictures?

 

[ukcatfan]

I am not familiar with the camera, but can you select the center focus point? That might help. If you are talking about moving rides, I personally think that your shutter is too slow. That might be blur instead of a missed focus. Can you post a sample shot?

 

[jann1033]

how about a different lens? the only sigma i ever had hunted like crazy but i have heard of that problem with sigma and canon. i just picked up a tamron 17-50 f2.8 and so far am happy with it. it is very sharp. only used it a couple times. so far it has focused nice and fast without hunting. ( i got it for $429 at buydig) it's for crop sensors but not sure if it would work with a 10d or not. my software is messed up so i can't post any photos till i get it working.

 

[maddmike]

I have never had a 10D but use other Canon SLRs. I now mainly use a 5D which I really like. Anyway, if the 10D is like the other Canons it should have at least 7 auto focus points. I would check your camera manual but the settings for those points may have been changed in your camera and that could be why it does not focus the way you want. You can also use manual focus which I do a lot. That way you get the focus you are looking for.

 

[boBQuincy]

As ukcatfan wrote, selecting the center focus point is a good first step. Once you have the center point selected try to aim it at a spot with high contrast, it should lock in quickly.
Some aftermarket lenses have issues with focusing on Canons. A good Canon lens with ring USM should focus very quickly and accurately on a 10D. I use a 10D with a Canon 24-85 or 24-105 and it does very well at focusing, even on rides.

A P&S is not likely to beat a 10D at focusing speed.