How can I get a Canon 250D to focus on me when using the self-timer?
Asked 6/5/2020
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2 answers
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I’m trying to take self-portraits with a Canon 250D on a tripod using the 10-second self-timer. At 18mm, autofocus works normally when I’m behind the camera, but with the self-timer it seems to focus when I press the shutter and then stay locked there. If I move into the frame afterward, Eye AF/tracking doesn’t keep following me. I’ve tried tapping the screen to set tracking, but once I walk into position the focus point stays where it was. Is there a way to make the camera focus right before the shot, or keep tracking me during the timer countdown?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
1
Your easiest way to deal with this is to use a method that allows you to trigger the camera remotely after you are already in the position you wish to be in for the picture. Many remote shutter release methods allow for using them with a 2-second delay so you'll have time to hide the remote release device.
Your EOS Rebel SL3/250D is compatible with the BR-E1 bluetooth remote mentioned in the link below.
You can also use prefocusing to a specific distance with manual focusing, or by autofocusing on a target where you'll be and then turning autofocus "off."
For more, please see: When setting my Canon camera on a timer, how do I force it to focus at the time the shot is taken instead of when the timer is set?
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
With the self-timer, the camera often locks focus when you start the timer rather than when the exposure is made, so Eye AF may not follow you after you step into place.
The most reliable fix is to trigger the shot remotely once you’re already in position. A Bluetooth or wireless remote is the easiest solution, and you can use a short delay if you need time to hide it.
If you don’t have a remote, two common workarounds are:
- Prefocus on the spot where you’ll stand, then switch AF off so focus stays there.
- Use manual focus and set focus for your intended distance.
You can also try using continuous/tracking autofocus, or pressing the shutter in one motion instead of half-pressing first, since some cameras then delay focusing until just before the shot. But this behavior varies by camera, so a remote release or prefocusing is usually the dependable approach for self-portraits.
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