7D AutoFocus issues

macro_man

macro_man

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Name
Sharif
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Yes
I am in the market for a 7D.
I have handled them and they are a treat.

But i have recently come across a few forums mentioning that there are specimens out there that have issues with the autofocus accuracy!!

Can current/ previous owners comment. Or anyone who has relevant info.
I'd like to know whether this is an urban legend before i take the plunge!!

Thanks in advance.
Sharif
 
Can't say I have personally had issues with autofocus on my 7d

Without meaning to be negative, I was a bit disappointed with the noise levels at lower iso settings like 100, 200,400.

I came from a 40d and hoped that they had addressed the noise after the slating the 50d got. Seems to be a drawback of squeezing that many megapixels on a crop sensor.

The 7d is still a stonking camera and quite possibly the best crop camera out there at the moment.
 
On the whole I am very happy with my 7D, for the most part the AF is very fast and reliable. However, I have come across one set of conditions that appear to give considerable problems. I am not yet convinced it's The camera per say, rather than me not setting the autofocus correctly for the circumstances.
My problem is not related to the various post floating about that claim the 7D couldn't focus on an elephant 20 feet from it :cuckoo:
In bright light, with a busy background the camera will not lock on to a small moving target, in my case dragonflys. I've tried single point and expanded, one shot and Ai servo, and all combinations there of, but the AF consistently shoots past the subject, tries to lock on the BG and fails :shrug:
Now, I know dragons are fast little buggers, but I'm quite good at keeping focus points on them, and when there is an obliging pair 2.5 mts from me in a stable mating hover, then there is really no excuse for the AF not to lock on :thinking:
As I say, I am not yet convinced the problem is the camera, and next time the conditions are similar then I'll take the 40D along as well to compare and see what happens.
These are the only circumstances in which I have been anything other than blown away by the 7D:thumbs:

Tara
 
Perception and expectation seems to be everything when people assess their 7D's.

I'm very much with Alan when it comes to my experience.....no problems with the AF (based on my settings and usage) but too much low Iso noise.

Interestingly, Tara's not mentioned noise but has a slight problem with AF (maybe early days yet).....I say "interestingly" because this is the exact same body.

Bob
 
I owned the 7d for a couple of months and there is definately a low iso grain noise going on, this is usually more noticable in out of focus areas. It's not terrible and sometimes gives charachter to a shot but for me it became annoying.
Auto focus was ok once set up correctly , I ended up swapping it out for a 5d mkII for cleaner IQ.
 
I think to a degree Bob is quite right, I didn't mention noise because for me it is so far a non issue, and I'm far from convinced that my particular AF "problem" is down to the camera rather than the way I'm using it :)

I certainly won't be chopping in my 7D for any other body in the near future :love:

Tara
 
I've not had any focus issues with mine, that's using the 50mm f1.8, 24-90 f2.8 Sigma, and my 70-200 f4.

I think the problem may be down to the size of the subject; unless you're very close or using a very long long lens many cameras would struggle.

It may be this, mixed with technique - I've found that I have to think differently when using the 7D after my 40/50D bodies.

I will agree that there is a bit of noise though, even at 100 ISO.

Steve
 
No issues with mine
This image of a WTE every frame sharp when i kept autofocus point on bird



Again Frame after frame sharp



Even trickier auto focus conditions Reeds blowing across subject subject constantly moving and a 600mm f4 handheld frame after frame sharp



Fox running across then toward me through shadows of trees frame after frame sharp



This is just a few images take it from me used correctly the 7d takes some beating i used it with the 5d mk2 for a wedding again stunning results i swear by mine and i am purchasing another

Regards

Richard
 
thanks everyone.

i suppose the bottom line is:- the Af is very good unless u are 1 of the unlucky few who ended up with a bad copy.

I think iam gonna get 1.

Cheers
 
macro_man said:
thanks everyone.

i suppose the bottom line is:- the Af is very good unless u are 1 of the unlucky few who ended up with a bad copy.

I think iam gonna get 1.

Cheers
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Pretty sure any make and model of camera is likely to be a potential duff one - just make sure you buy from a reputable source and can return it if you are not happy.

It really is a top camera and I'm sure you won't regret it :thumbs:
 
Chaz Photos said:
no issues here and as for noise what noise? much better then any other camera I have had
You need to have it set up right, as you do with any tool. Know how to use it.
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It is widely reported to be a bit noisy at the lower end of the ISO range

Perhaps you'd be so kind as to share your settings please? Maybe it can be tweaked from the 'out of the box' defaults?
 
bl0at3r said:
It is widely reported to be a bit noisy at the lower end of the ISO range

Perhaps you'd be so kind as to share your settings please? Maybe it can be tweaked from the 'out of the box' defaults?
Click to expand...

The 4 images i have posted are all shot at iso 400 no noise reduction used on them. L glass and spot on exposure makes a difference. And they are all cropped slightly.
I have never had an issue with noise at 100 or 200 iso
Regards
Richard
 
bl0at3r said:
It is widely reported to be a bit noisy at the lower end of the ISO range
Click to expand...

I've had no issues with noise at the lower (or mid) end of the ISO range either.
 
Well you can get a bad example of any camera, and the 7D will be no different in that respect. That apart it does need a bit of understanding and setting up properly, but for me it's hands down the best camera I've owned - I'm completely happy with it.

The remarks about noise at low ISO is a mystery to me - I can't say I've experienced it. I wonder how much this noise is being induced in processing, or by using 3rd party editing software,
 
CT said:
Well you can get a bad example of any camera, and the 7D will be no different in that respect. That apart it does need a bit of understanding and setting up properly, but for me it's hands down the best camera I've owned - I'm completely happy with it.

The remarks about noise at low ISO is a mystery to me - I can't say I've experienced it. I wonder how much this noise is being induced in processing, or by using 3rd party editing software,
Click to expand...

I think you have probably hit the nail on the head.

Regards

Richard
 
My experience with the 7D has been rather mixed to be honest, but my issue was with noise at low iso. Canon did in fact send me a replacement camera when I sent it in.

With regards to AF - I used the 7D for the first time with dragonflies in flight last week - I was VERY impressed with how it held the focus and it produced some sharp shots. Some not so, but that is down to me more than anything I am sure!!

I think with time I could grow to like this camera!!
 
swag72 said:
My experience with the 7D has been rather mixed to be honest, but my issue was with noise at low iso. Canon did in fact send me a replacement camera when I sent it in.

With regards to AF - I used the 7D for the first time with dragonflies in flight last week - I was VERY impressed with how it held the focus and it produced some sharp shots. Some not so, but that is down to me more than anything I am sure!!

I think with time I could grow to like this camera!!
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Hi Sara, would you mind sharing your af settings, as this was the exact area I had my problems.

Tara
 
I don't think I have done anything with the AF settings much beyond the default to be honest - I'll have a look though. Have you looked at the Canon tutorials and vids specifically for the 7D focus Tara?
 
Canon Bob said:
Perception and expectation seems to be everything when people assess their 7D's.

I'm very much with Alan when it comes to my experience.....no problems with the AF (based on my settings and usage) but too much low Iso noise.
Interestingly, Tara's not mentioned noise but has a slight problem with AF (maybe early days yet).....I say "interestingly" because this is the exact same body.

Bob
Click to expand...

Chaz Photos said:
no issues here and as for noise what noise? much better then any other camera I have had
You need to have it set up right, as you do with any tool. Know how to use it.
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Bob, it would appear you need to learn how to use your tools! :lol:
 
I don't think that you can put down the low ISO noise issue to post processing or not knowing your camera.

If someone like Bob suggests there is an issue, there is an issue.

While I don't accept the notion that it's a 'widely' reported problem, it has (or is) been a problem for some users.
 
Sara, yes, I downloaded the lot, and have watched them, but I may go back and have another look. I'm certain my problems are indeed mine and not those of my 7D, as the autofocus in other areas is "Grrrrreat", as the tiger says :D

Tara
 
The only thing I have done with the AF is using the one point focus (the rectangle with the little square inside it), I pick my focus point using the rear joystick and use AI servo using the back button to focus. I think I had it on spot metering for this as well.

I haven't changed any of the settings for speed of tracking, so pretty much as out of the box.
 
EdBray said:
Bob, it would appear you need to learn how to use your tools! :lol:
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Don't we all Eddie ;)

I tried to be as scientific as possible when doing comparisons. I shot red, green and blue targets with the 7D, 40D, 5D2 and 1D3 at varying Iso's and found the 7D's red channel to be pretty dire at 400 and 800 when compared to the other bodies. At 1600 it was very acceptable and I'd even class it as good above that...especially with such a high pixel density.
The one thing that I haven't got a handle on is the improvement seen after the firmware update. I'd been prompted to look out for a change so I did a pre-update shot, updated the firmware and then repeated the shot with identical settings....not stunning but a very definite change.
The 1D4 was already inbound at that time so the 7D days were numbered.
If I'd arrived from a 40D or 50D then I'd have probably been quite happy with it...just for the AF alone. Having a 1D3, 5D2 (and trialling a 1D4), all of which I think are blessed with better output, put the 7D into the mildly underwhelmed category.

Still, lots of people like it....to their good fortune I suppose.

Bob
 
Les McLean said:
If someone like Bob suggests there is an issue, there is an issue.
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I thank you for your confidence in me Les. I will however offer caution in that I'm not immune from being a prat so never stake your life on my opinion. ;)

Bob
 
Canon Bob said:
Don't we all Eddie ;)

I tried to be as scientific as possible when doing comparisons. I shot red, green and blue targets with the 7D, 40D, 5D2 and 1D3 at varying Iso's and found the 7D's red channel to be pretty dire at 400 and 800 when compared to the other bodies. At 1600 it was very acceptable and I'd even class it as good above that...especially with such a high pixel density.
The one thing that I haven't got a handle on is the improvement seen after the firmware update. I'd been prompted to look out for a change so I did a pre-update shot, updated the firmware and then repeated the shot with identical settings....not stunning but a very definite change.
The 1D4 was already inbound at that time so the 7D days were numbered.
If I'd arrived from a 40D or 50D then I'd have probably been quite happy with it...just for the AF alone. Having a 1D3, 5D2 (and trialling a 1D4), all of which I think are blessed with better output, put the 7D into the mildly underwhelmed category.

Still, lots of people like it....to their good fortune I suppose.

Bob
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I had one of the first in the country and mine has been superb i even did some A2 prints and got some learned friends to pick which was 5D mk2 and which was 7d they could'nt tell i get the feeling there could be some indifferent 7d's about. CT mentioned about how people process them i believe this could play another part. I remember the 1d m3's and i handled a few of them my mate Rob had a early one and his was superb pre mirror fix he never
let canon alter it either . Yet i tried later ones i would'nt use them as door stops they were that naff in comparison even after the fixes Andy Rouse was well unhappy with his Yet i know one or to others who were happy and had no problems.

Im wondering if we have the same problem with the 7d to a lesser extent
Im now purchasing a second and i will run them in tandom to see if there is a difference. By the way i have'nt upgraded the fimware and i did'nt get the reported ghosting. I shall be interested to try them against the 1 d mk4 when that arrives

Regards
Richard
 
I've had no autofocus issues with my 7d. I don't use it for wildlife but I find it super fast at focusing in low light at weddings, with the right lenses that is.

Also, no issues with low end ISO here as far as I'm concerned
 
Les McLean said:
I don't think that you can put down the low ISO noise issue to post processing or not knowing your camera.

If someone like Bob suggests there is an issue, there is an issue.

While I don't accept the notion that it's a 'widely' reported problem, it has (or is) been a problem for some users.
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The problem I have with this Les, is that I see so many obviously capable photographers- (yourself included) consisistently posting top end work with the 7D. Now that's evidence I can see with my own eyes, and on which I form my opinions, coupled with my own experience of using the camera.

I don't see anyone posting examples of this low ISO noise problem- just people saying that the 7D has the issue. Let's see some low ISO raw examples of well exposed images (not -under-exposed) displaying the problem.
 
bl0at3r said:
It is widely reported to be a bit noisy at the lower end of the ISO range

Perhaps you'd be so kind as to share your settings please? Maybe it can be tweaked from the 'out of the box' defaults?
Click to expand...

did same as for the 50Dturn of things like oh whats it called sorry i am in bad now ahhhh
and only shoot in RAW
 
This recurring theme of low-ISO noise issues is the main thing that deters me from the 7D. I'm feeling the urge to upgrade the near future but Canon's relentless pursuit of high pixel counts is starting to seriously annoy me.
 
Vertigo1 said:
This recurring theme of low-ISO noise issues is the main thing that deters me from the 7D. I'm feeling the urge to upgrade the near future but Canon's relentless pursuit of high pixel counts is starting to seriously annoy me.
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I know what you mean. I would much rather have a better iso capability than a higher pixel count. It's the holy grain... i mean holy grail imo
 
CT said:
The problem I have with this Les, is that I see so many obviously capable photographers- (yourself included) consisistently posting top end work with the 7D.
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Cedric,
I guess that we can draw one of several possible conclusions....

1) The 7D requires expertise above and beyond the level of some amateurs when lighting conditions deviate marginally from those considered to be "spot on". I have no shame in admitting that I may fall short in my ability to manipulate focus and exposure to the required standard.

2) There are some 7D's which fall short of a baseline standard or have been calibrated too "loosely"...maybe it's simply one of the many calibration test rigs wasn't/isn't doing the business.
There would be no point in highlighting the many threads/posts on other forums dealing with the issue as it's impossible to quantify the affect of the operator/tog in the overall picture.
However, the Dutch guy whose blog I quote from below can be considered experienced and knowledgeable enough (IMHO at least) to be assessed as a "reliable witness"
I was invited yesterday to the dealer’s shop in Eindhoven (the Netherlands) where i could swap my Canon 7D body for a new one! My week-long discussion with both the dealer and Canon have been fruitful, eventually.
After providing the visual proof, that my camera performed poorly compared to other 7D’s, the problem was confirmed and a swap granted.
And….
Same firmware i must say, but the noise and pattern-noise at low ISO problem is solved in this model.
This confirms my earlier suspicion that it is a quality-check/in-factory calibration issue, that’s not going to be solved by a firmware update. My final conclusion is: faulty calibration of the green-channel in some cameras, as well as misconfiguration of the Highlight Priority mechanism results in pattern noise at all ISOs, but more obvious in low-noise pictures. Solution: try to swap your camera for another one (test in store please) and/or switch off the Highlight Priority function. I have opted for the first solution.
From http://marvelsfilm.wordpress.com/2009/10/16/canon-swapped-my-7d/

Whatever is/was the cause, my solution for the short/medium term future is too keep my pixel pitch above 5 microns ;) .

Bob



 
Canon Bob said:
. Solution: try to swap your camera for another one (test in store please) and/or switch off the Highlight Priority function. I have opted for the first solution.
From http://marvelsfilm.wordpress.com/2009/10/16/canon-swapped-my-7d/


Bob
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Evening Bob.:wave:

This gjuy could have joined TP and got the advice about switchng off ALO and HTP when shooting raw from the 7D hints And Tips Thread and a few others too- that advice has been given here and elsewhere for ages now - in fact since the 50D.

I don't dispute for one second anyway, that there can be individual cameras causing problems - that happene with all makes and models, but I know my camera doesn't have the problem and there are many users who will tell you the same. Just dont shoot all the dogs because one has fleas.;)
 
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