Right folks, recently got my hands on a 600d and a plug in intervalometer and now have a couple of questions, mainly about the focus. Go easy as I haven't used a DSLR before
Anyway, been experimenting using the intervalometer with the Live View screen and I find that if it's set to 'Live' focus mode it sometimes doesn't actually take a shot, sounds like its focusing etc but then no actual shot taken. If I switch it to 'Quick' focus mode it seems to take a shot every other time, like it uses one shot to focus then actually takes it on the next one, is that right or have I got some settings badly wrong?
I should point out I was experimenting in my hall (it was pissing down) with a bright multi-coloured cushion and not outdoors with a fish
Also as it's on loan it comes with a 50mm and an 18mm -135mm lenses,. I've tried both, using the zoom at the 35mm setting, the only issue is with the 50mm you have to get miles away from the camera, would you suggest using the zoom is maybe a better option or not?
Anyway, been experimenting using the intervalometer with the Live View screen and I find that if it's set to 'Live' focus mode it sometimes doesn't actually take a shot, sounds like its focusing etc but then no actual shot taken. If I switch it to 'Quick' focus mode it seems to take a shot every other time, like it uses one shot to focus then actually takes it on the next one, is that right or have I got some settings badly wrong?
I should point out I was experimenting in my hall (it was pissing down) with a bright multi-coloured cushion and not outdoors with a fish
Also as it's on loan it comes with a 50mm and an 18mm -135mm lenses,. I've tried both, using the zoom at the 35mm setting, the only issue is with the 50mm you have to get miles away from the camera, would you suggest using the zoom is maybe a better option or not?
How long is the "long" setting on your intervalometer?
In reply to Post #2
I didn't touch that, unless I did something by accident, I'll have a look when I'm home and see what it's set on
I didn't touch that, unless I did something by accident, I'll have a look when I'm home and see what it's set on
In reply to Post #1
Not too up on the 600D personally, but it could be down to card buffering and the interval time between shots being too short hence the camera focussing but not tripping the shutter , if that makes sense!! You'll also getting it when using flash as the flash won't have recycled fast enough if the interval time is too short
Not too up on the 600D personally, but it could be down to card buffering and the interval time between shots being too short hence the camera focussing but not tripping the shutter , if that makes sense!! You'll also getting it when using flash as the flash won't have recycled fast enough if the interval time is too short
In reply to Post #3
Leeroy may be hinting at the usual novice mistake of not leaving the shutter setting blank
Leeroy may be hinting at the usual novice mistake of not leaving the shutter setting blank
In reply to Post #2
Right just checked and the 'long' setting is set to 00 00 00.
@Hadrian interval between shots was set to 8 seconds and I wasn't using the flash, I know what you mean though
Right just checked and the 'long' setting is set to 00 00 00.
@Hadrian interval between shots was set to 8 seconds and I wasn't using the flash, I know what you mean though
In reply to Post #6
Try it on 2 or 3 seconds.
Try it on 2 or 3 seconds.
In reply to Post #7
Do you mean the 'Long' setting or the interval?
Anyway, now it's finally stopped raining I just tried it outside and it behaved perfectly so I can only assume that is was having trouble focussing because of low light indoors combined with the outrageous cushion I was trying to get it to focus on
So talking of low light that brings me neatly on to night shots. I remember reading before about people having problems with these cameras focusing in the dark. I have a Rhino (which I haven't used before) so any tips on using that etc would be greatly appreciated. Is it a case of just putting it in 'Quick Focus' mode? I can guess that with the 50mm and the camera being about 9ft away the onboard flash will be compromised.
Do you mean the 'Long' setting or the interval?
Anyway, now it's finally stopped raining I just tried it outside and it behaved perfectly so I can only assume that is was having trouble focussing because of low light indoors combined with the outrageous cushion I was trying to get it to focus on
So talking of low light that brings me neatly on to night shots. I remember reading before about people having problems with these cameras focusing in the dark. I have a Rhino (which I haven't used before) so any tips on using that etc would be greatly appreciated. Is it a case of just putting it in 'Quick Focus' mode? I can guess that with the 50mm and the camera being about 9ft away the onboard flash will be compromised.
In reply to Post #8
The long setting.
The long setting.
In reply to Post #9
Oh I thought that was the exposure setting so you just let the camera deal with it, i'm using the Av setting BTW
Oh I thought that was the exposure setting so you just let the camera deal with it, i'm using the Av setting BTW
In reply to Post #10
Its sort of how long it presses the shutter button. Especially when you are using the live view it needs ages, it needs to flip the mirror and focus.
Set it too short and it wont get time to take the picture, too long and it might try taking 2.
Its sort of how long it presses the shutter button. Especially when you are using the live view it needs ages, it needs to flip the mirror and focus.
Set it too short and it wont get time to take the picture, too long and it might try taking 2.
In reply to Post #11
Ok thanks I'll have a play with that
Ok thanks I'll have a play with that
In reply to Post #12
If it is the 50mm F1.8 canon lens, they are regularly pretty hit & miss on autofocus
If it is the 50mm F1.8 canon lens, they are regularly pretty hit & miss on autofocus
In reply to Post #11
Canon might be different but the long setting shouldn't do anything at the camera end unless your in bulb mode, I've always left it at 0
Chuffy, the built in flash will totally overpower the rhino, it doesn't really matter where you put that but try and put it where a reflection won't be an issue
Canon might be different but the long setting shouldn't do anything at the camera end unless your in bulb mode, I've always left it at 0
Chuffy, the built in flash will totally overpower the rhino, it doesn't really matter where you put that but try and put it where a reflection won't be an issue
In reply to Post #14
Canon might be different but the long setting shouldn't do anything at the camera end unless your in bulb mode, I've always left it at 0
That's what I thought as well
Chuffy, the built in flash will totally overpower the rhino, it doesn't really matter where you put that but try and put it where a reflection won't be an issue
So am I right in thinking when doing stills the Rhino is more to assist the camera to focus and to see what you are doing?
Canon might be different but the long setting shouldn't do anything at the camera end unless your in bulb mode, I've always left it at 0
That's what I thought as well
Chuffy, the built in flash will totally overpower the rhino, it doesn't really matter where you put that but try and put it where a reflection won't be an issue
So am I right in thinking when doing stills the Rhino is more to assist the camera to focus and to see what you are doing?
In reply to Post #13
If it is the 50mm F1.8 canon lens, they are regularly pretty hit & miss on autofocus
yes it is
If it is the 50mm F1.8 canon lens, they are regularly pretty hit & miss on autofocus
yes it is
In reply to Post #16
Mess around with it in manual focus first, the shots may not be sharp but at least you are taking the auto focus licking issue out of the equation while you understand the other elements...
Mess around with it in manual focus first, the shots may not be sharp but at least you are taking the auto focus licking issue out of the equation while you understand the other elements...
In reply to Post #15
I think most use them as a swim floodlight.
For it to actually light the shot you'd be pushing your luck, wide aperture, high iso and low shutter speed, plus have it really close so the background is inky blackness
I honestly Don't get why they're so popular
I think most use them as a swim floodlight.
For it to actually light the shot you'd be pushing your luck, wide aperture, high iso and low shutter speed, plus have it really close so the background is inky blackness
I honestly Don't get why they're so popular
In reply to Post #1
I never use live view for self takes, I've had repeated problems with focus being achieved.
I use live view to frame the shot before the fish is taken from the water, then switch live view off for the interval sequence. You can still view each shot on the flip round screen as they are taken.
I would also strongly recommend you get a flash with a red led focus assist, get rid of the built in flash strobe focusing.
I never use live view for self takes, I've had repeated problems with focus being achieved.
I use live view to frame the shot before the fish is taken from the water, then switch live view off for the interval sequence. You can still view each shot on the flip round screen as they are taken.
I would also strongly recommend you get a flash with a red led focus assist, get rid of the built in flash strobe focusing.
In reply to Post #15
I found on really dark nights it couldn't focus on me, I find the rhino or similar helps illuminate the swim so you can see what your doing and helps the focus find you
I found on really dark nights it couldn't focus on me, I find the rhino or similar helps illuminate the swim so you can see what your doing and helps the focus find you
In reply to Post #15
My guess would of been it was hunting for focus if if was a little too dark, see if you can replicate the same situation but either have the flash on, or the rhino light to put a bit of extra light on the subject,
Try and use the rhino and the built in flash to compliment each other rather than as two individual things,
I find when using flash using manual settings is easier, as there isn't much chance of lighting situations changing at night, but I tend to use AV in the day, just Incase of a sudden light change as the sun goes in or comes out etc
My guess would of been it was hunting for focus if if was a little too dark, see if you can replicate the same situation but either have the flash on, or the rhino light to put a bit of extra light on the subject,
Try and use the rhino and the built in flash to compliment each other rather than as two individual things,
I find when using flash using manual settings is easier, as there isn't much chance of lighting situations changing at night, but I tend to use AV in the day, just Incase of a sudden light change as the sun goes in or comes out etc
In reply to Post #19
Yeah live view uses a different focus process. And moves the mirror out of the way, bit slower.
Yeah live view uses a different focus process. And moves the mirror out of the way, bit slower.
In reply to Post #1
I have the 600d i have the focus mode set to live but what you find is that the flash doesnt automatically pulse to assist with focusing in low light or dark conditions so i only use the live view to frame the shot in low light or dark conditions
when i had the camera in quick focus it was always fine using the intervelometer but i had an issue when someone was walking past as i was doing some self takes and offered to take the pics he was pressing down on the camera button each shot sounded like it fired and for some reason i didnt check the pics as i was more interested in putting the fish back only to find out that none had actually taken, i checked some shots myself and it can actually happen so always leave it in the live view focus mode but dont always use the live view, as after each pic the displayed image flashes up on the screen anyway.
As has been mentioned the 50mm lens is a fair way back so will make focusing in low light a little more difficult, i always preferred the fixed 35mm however for the last few years i have used a efs 17-55 lens bit dearer than a kit lens but imo gives far better pics and gives me some adjustment
I have the 600d i have the focus mode set to live but what you find is that the flash doesnt automatically pulse to assist with focusing in low light or dark conditions so i only use the live view to frame the shot in low light or dark conditions
when i had the camera in quick focus it was always fine using the intervelometer but i had an issue when someone was walking past as i was doing some self takes and offered to take the pics he was pressing down on the camera button each shot sounded like it fired and for some reason i didnt check the pics as i was more interested in putting the fish back only to find out that none had actually taken, i checked some shots myself and it can actually happen so always leave it in the live view focus mode but dont always use the live view, as after each pic the displayed image flashes up on the screen anyway.
As has been mentioned the 50mm lens is a fair way back so will make focusing in low light a little more difficult, i always preferred the fixed 35mm however for the last few years i have used a efs 17-55 lens bit dearer than a kit lens but imo gives far better pics and gives me some adjustment
Thanks chaps some helpful pointers there. As suggested setting up the shot then switching off live view seems to be the best solution, also I didn't realise you could still see each shot review on the LCD when not in live view 
In reply to Post #18
Not aimed at anyone in particular. Anyone else remember when you'd get a bollocking for showing as much as a lit match at night? A coleman flareup was viewed as a monumental disaster for the light produced. Now apparently it's acceptable to flood lighting the swim for a poxy pic.
Hey ho. More 'progress'........
Not aimed at anyone in particular. Anyone else remember when you'd get a bollocking for showing as much as a lit match at night? A coleman flareup was viewed as a monumental disaster for the light produced. Now apparently it's acceptable to flood lighting the swim for a poxy pic.
Hey ho. More 'progress'........
In reply to Post #25
Would you rather people sacked the fish up for 10 hours when its light again like they used too?
Would you rather people sacked the fish up for 10 hours when its light again like they used too?
In reply to Post #26
Errr no. Where did I say that? Why ten hours? Nice emotive figure? You do make some odd interpretations....
Errr no. Where did I say that? Why ten hours? Nice emotive figure? You do make some odd interpretations....
In reply to Post #27
Leeroy is right, you can't ****ing win.
Sacking frowned upon so we kit ourselves out with gear to do night shots. Night shots then frowned upon
Of course before all this 'progress' we'd not even know we've got one on until we got back from the pub
Leeroy is right, you can't ****ing win.
Sacking frowned upon so we kit ourselves out with gear to do night shots. Night shots then frowned upon
Of course before all this 'progress' we'd not even know we've got one on until we got back from the pub
In reply to Post #25
Although I agree to a point, if people are more confident handling fish under the floodlight I'm not going to moan. I'll save the moaning for the human lighthouses and those who must be scared of the dark having bivvy lights on all night.
Although I agree to a point, if people are more confident handling fish under the floodlight I'm not going to moan. I'll save the moaning for the human lighthouses and those who must be scared of the dark having bivvy lights on all night.
In reply to Post #1
Get yourself a Rhino release foot pedal for canon, so much easier than having to push a hand held remote,just tap your foot on the pedal and away you go.
https://rhino-tech.co.uk/shop/ols/products/rhino-release
Cable type S1 600d is in the specified camera list
Get yourself a Rhino release foot pedal for canon, so much easier than having to push a hand held remote,just tap your foot on the pedal and away you go.
https://rhino-tech.co.uk/shop/ols/products/rhino-release
Cable type S1 600d is in the specified camera list
In reply to Post #30
He's not using a remote. He's using an intervalometer.
He's not using a remote. He's using an intervalometer.
In reply to Post #15
Did you try setting it to 3 seconds though?
It will solve the issue you have had. Yes, when in bulb mode, the camera will take the exposure for as long as the shutter is pressed.
The intervalometer when set to 0:00 will press the shutter for a period of time that in most situations will be enough time to focus and take the shot. But when in live view there is added time, and unless it is already focused, it will not press the shutter long enough.
The camera has no idea there is an intervalometer plugged into it, the intervalometer is just plugged into an external shutter release, and in this case it needs to activate the shutter release for longer.
Did you try setting it to 3 seconds though?
It will solve the issue you have had. Yes, when in bulb mode, the camera will take the exposure for as long as the shutter is pressed.
The intervalometer when set to 0:00 will press the shutter for a period of time that in most situations will be enough time to focus and take the shot. But when in live view there is added time, and unless it is already focused, it will not press the shutter long enough.
The camera has no idea there is an intervalometer plugged into it, the intervalometer is just plugged into an external shutter release, and in this case it needs to activate the shutter release for longer.
In reply to Post #32
No I haven't yet, will deffo try it on my next play about though
No I haven't yet, will deffo try it on my next play about though
In reply to Post #32
Dslrs have so many quirks, it's no wonder people give up and use phones!
Does that camera not have a focus assist light?
That amount of time to focus sounds extreme to me!
Dslrs have so many quirks, it's no wonder people give up and use phones!
Does that camera not have a focus assist light?
That amount of time to focus sounds extreme to me!
In reply to Post #34
Self takes are the easiest, its when you ask someone to take pictures and you realise you have to spend 5 minutes explaining how to take a pictire, and you know they arent listening, and then they start pressing all sorts of buttons and changing the focus point. I only do self takes now and ask them to do some on my phone as well
Self takes are the easiest, its when you ask someone to take pictures and you realise you have to spend 5 minutes explaining how to take a pictire, and you know they arent listening, and then they start pressing all sorts of buttons and changing the focus point. I only do self takes now and ask them to do some on my phone as well
In reply to Post #35
I've learned not to put my cameras in anyone else's hands, the control layout is brilliant for easy settings changes, but you only have to gently touch the dials and f3.5 1/400 quickly becomes f16 1/2500
He wasn't even using the shutter button, I told him to use the touch screen like a phone
I've learned not to put my cameras in anyone else's hands, the control layout is brilliant for easy settings changes, but you only have to gently touch the dials and f3.5 1/400 quickly becomes f16 1/2500
He wasn't even using the shutter button, I told him to use the touch screen like a phone
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