New camera regret (Canon T3i)

[lmb80129]

I suppose I could also title this "I hate my new camera." I have an old Canon Xsi that worked well for years but upgraded to the T3i to include video and for supposedly better quality pictures. But I just don't think the T3i takes the same quality pictures as my old camera. I think the focus and color seem off with the T3i. With both cameras in auto, I greatly prefer the Xsi. I know part of my problem is that I don't have a lot of expertise and really need to learn what I am doing. Is it possible that I just got a lemon of a T3i? Are there any obvious settings that I should check? Any other suggestions to help before I have the time to learn enough to maximize the functionality of the camera?

 

[havoc315]

Post some image samples so we can see your complaints.
In terms of the color being off, check your white balance settings. Every camera does handle its white balance a little bit differently.... so what seems off about the color? Too warm (too golden), too cool? (too bluish, not golden enough).

Focus is more clear cut -- Your camera should be able to focus. If it can't, then you really may need to return it for servicing. Are you focusing with the viewfinder or with the LCD screen? Focusing with the LCD screen will be significantly inferior to focus with the viewfinder. What focus settings are you using?

 

[pieface]

Havoc you seem to know what your talking about ref cameras. I am stupid when it comes to digital cameras. I am looking at an easy camera to use I was looking at the power shot cannon E.L.P.H. 130 is or a Nikon S6500. Your opinion is appreciated. Thanks

 

[lmb80129]

Thank you for your reply. Here are a few examples. The color seems all over the place. Some pictures seem to warm (red), some seem washed out and some seem perfect. So I figure it is probably user error but I don't recall having as many errors with the old camera.

 

[Shutterbug]

are you using the same lenses as you did with XSI?
Are you shooting in RAW?

 

[photo_chick]

Read the manual and learn to use the auto focus system. It's a new system to you and it will take a little time to adapt. I've gone through a similar thing with each new body I've bought.

As far as the colors... that's just how the camera is set to process the image. Again, read the manual and find which settings suit your taste the best if you're shooting jpeg.

That last picture looks like you have something blocking your flash.

 

[lmb80129]

are you using the same lenses as you did with XSI?
Are you shooting in RAW?

I am using the same lenses but haven't figured out how to shoot in RAW. Maybe that would help...

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

First things first! RAW is not going to give you a better image without post-processing. The first thing you need to do is fine tune your camera so it produces good JPEG's. I am not a Canon shooter so I can't speak directly to your camera, but as previously mentioned, look in your manual, search online for tutorials. In my system, I have nine selections which each has 5-8 fine tuning selections. It's not that difficult to get the look you like. Because I shoot a lot of action, I need to shoot acceptable JPEGS because I need to shoot high burst rates without maxing out my buffer. This precludes using RAW. Since I don't know how to find the EXIF information on Photobucket, I'm not able to help directly with the images.

 

[DoDaLeCa]

Are there any picture styles set in the camera?

You might have to change those settings to get a picture with some snap - when shooting RAW you adjust it in the processing software to produce the picture you want whereas in JPEG the camera is doing it for you. Maybe you're camera is set to Neutral or something flat.

http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/app/pdfs/quickguides/CDLC_PictureStyles_QuickGuide.pdf

If the colors are off then the WB might not be set correctly as well (Auto is usually the best starting point until you know what you're doing and remember to change it as necessary).

 

[havoc315]

Your focus looks fine. Just be conscious of where the camera is focusing. Dslrs are not generally intended to keep entire frames "in focus" unless using a small aperture. Typically with dSLR pictures, you pick the subject you want the focus on. As said above, learn how your cameras focus system works.

Your white balance looks ok, I prefer a little warmer. Are you on auto WB?

Your metering looks a bit dark. What metering mode are you using?

 

[zackiedawg]

The advice above is generally good - you just need to adapt to your camera, and figure out the best settings changes to make to the camera so it starts putting out shots more reliably and with the look you like.

RAW will NOT help you take better photos, nor will it produce better photos out of the camera...do not even think of RAW at this stage - if you're still shooting a DSLR in Auto mode with a kit lens and don't do any post processing, you're not ready to be worried about RAW, which requires post-processing every photo with skill and knowledge of what you're doing. JPG is perfectly capable of doing everything you need, from family snapshots to full-on professional large prints for sale or gallery display.

You may consider straying from the full auto mode, and trying out the P or Program Auto mode. It's very similar to full auto, but it allows you to take over a few settings yourself to adjust how the camera delivers the shots. Your camera will have a picture settings mode where you can choose different preset styles such as Standard, Vivid, Landscape, Portrait, etc...each one adjusts the color and tone curves for the output and one might work better for you. Also, each one of those settings has a few adjustments you can make within - for example, in 'vivid', you can choose that mode, then within that mode, you can adjust the saturation, color, sharpness, and/or contrast up or down to fine tune the look.

You might also consider switching the metering mode - something again you might not be able to do in full auto mode, but can do in P mode. The camera is likely using multiple or wide metering area, and should have an option for center-weighted metering - which on many cameras is actually more reliable in mixed lighting situations.

Make sure your EV setting hasn't been adjusted - there's an EV button somewhere, and it can be adjusted - or +...this tells the camera to underexpose (-) or overexpose (+)...if your camera accidentally got set to -1 or -2, that could cause all your shots to end up too dark and underexposed.

Just some starting points to consider. Also - even after all that, if you determine that you don't like the way the photos are coming out and no amount of tuning or settings changes help - try changing lenses. It's not always the camera body that gives poor results - you may just have a poor lens. If it's the kit lens that came with the camera, see if you can go to a store and try another - it might be that a nicer lens will give you better results, or it could be that you just got a lemon of a kit lens, and replacing it with another could improve things.

 

[mom2rtk]

OP, if you still have the kit lens that came with your first camera, try using that on the new camera for some comparison shots. It might help you decide if it's a lens or camera issue.

I progressed through several Rebel models through the years just shooting on program or auto modes before I started jumping in to control the camera more. And I was never left thinking it was a lesser product. I have the T2i, which is very similar to the T3i, and it's a great camera.

I bet you'll figure this out.

 

[wiigirl]

OP, if you still have the kit lens that came with your first camera, try using that on the new camera for some comparison shots. It might help you decide if it's a lens or camera issue.

My advice exactly...

 

[millys]

Hi - nothing worse than thinking you have just paid out all that money for nothing
However - I think you just need to be confident that what you have bought is a fantastic piece of equipment that is more than capable of taking the great photos that you desire.
In order to re-convince yourself that you made the correct decision - I would recommend that you go to one of the photographic sites and check out other peoples photos taken with thsi camera.
Flickr is a good one - simply type in the search bar 'Canon t3i' and you will be treated to a display of pictures that will fill you with joy and confidence.

Milly

 

[lmb80129]

Thanks everyone!!! I really appreciate all the advice and you all have given me the hope and confidence to learn more about the camera and figure it out!