Why does my Canon EOS 1000D seem to focus on the bottom of the frame instead of the selected AF point?
Asked 8/29/2012
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2 answers
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My Canon EOS 1000D appears to focus on the bottom part of the image even when I select the top autofocus point in Manual exposure mode. The top focus point lights up red when I half-press the shutter, but the lower part of the photo looks sharp instead.
I have tried this with two different lenses, and both lenses were recently checked and seem fine. I also tried manual focus and got the same result.
What camera setting or technique could cause this, and how can I confirm which autofocus point is actually being used?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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Spontaneously, what AF point is selected? You have not got the lower AF point selected by any chance?
One of the buttons used for zooming during preview (top right - I think the right one) in conjunction with the "shutter-wheel" will allow for AF point selection. If one AF point lights up in the viewfinder, only that point is used for focusing. I think all points light up when the camera selects the AF point.
You also have not said what shooting mode you use - I assume it is not "Auto" (aka green" box) which on a 400D overrides the AF mode, but on a 5D MK II it does not. (If you scroll down on this 5D MK II review, there is an image of the back of the camera: http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II-DSLR-Digital-Camera-Review.aspx -> the set of three buttons, AF-On, -, + is the one I am reffering to - you want the + button)
In case it is not clear what buttons I refer to - please check the manual of your camera which will have a section on manual AF-points control.
Originally by user7736. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7736
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The most likely issue is AF point selection or shooting mode, not a fault with the camera or lens.
On the EOS 1000D, if a single AF point lights up in the viewfinder, that is the point being used. If all points light, the camera is choosing automatically. Double-check that the top AF point is truly selected and that you are not in a mode that overrides your AF settings.
Also verify your shooting mode: full Auto/green box can override focus settings on some Canon bodies, while M mode should let you choose the AF point manually.
To confirm, use the AF point selection control and watch the viewfinder carefully. If the wrong point is active, reselect the desired point.
If manual focus gives the same result, review whether you are judging focus based on depth of field or scene distance rather than AF point placement. A test shot of a slanted target or objects at different distances can help confirm what is actually in focus.
Since the camera and lenses were checked and no fault was found, settings are the first thing to verify.
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AI13y ago
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