Focusing issues with Canon 7D

[nikkisan]

I have been having some problems getting sharp pictures with my 7D. My pictures come out looking on the soft side. I went on line to see if focusing on this camera has had some issues, and found quite a few. I have tried all different ways to getting a sharper looking picture (shooting at higher shutter speeds, using a monopod etc.), and I still don't have the sharpest looking pictures. I also have tried 3 different lenses. Anyone else seem to be having any problems with this camera. I am getting ready to send it back to Canon to let them have a look at it. Didn't have this problem with my 20D. I have been doing photograophy for several years, so I am not a beginner, just FYI. Thanks for any input.

[inkista]

Long as you know it wasn't a setting thing, a technique thing, or a lens thing, I'd send it to Canon to have it be calibrated. Since you're up in Escondido, simplest thing might be to just drive it directly to Irvine. Cut out the shipping cost/delay. You can drive it up, drop it off, and have them mail it back to you, although you might need to call them to make sure they ship it back, rather than hold it there for pick up.

[nikkisan]

Thanks......I've tried different lenses, different techniques, different settings. I took 150 pictures at my sons soccer game this last Saturday, and only got 2 pictures that were in focus. I never had this problem with my 20D. Just got back form the post office, mailed it off to Canon, they'll get it by noon tomorrow. I hope callibration fixes the problem. This camera also seems to have a lot of noise at low ISO settings, even sometimes as low as 400.

[inkista]

Are you sure you're looking at the noise of the full image objectively, and not just fixating at what you see at 100% crop? The pixel character of sensors have changed a lot over the last few years. I remember when I got my G9, I was really surprised at how different the images looked at 100% crop vs. my old S30's, so when I got my 50D to replace an old XT, I was prepared for the different "look" of things when zoomed to the pixel level.

Keep in mind that 100% crop between a 20D and a 7D is actually more than doubling your magnification, given that the 20D was only 8MP, and the 7D has 18MP.

[look_yau]

any sample photos?

[GadgetRick]

Yes, sample photos with details would be helpful.

However, the 7D has had issues in the past with the focus. When there's not a problem, it's got excellent AF. However, it's not uncommon to have a problem with it. There may well be something which Canon needs to address there.

As far as noise, this is something which has been documented as well. Occasionally, there is an actual problem (my friend had his 7D replaced due to this) but, most of the time, it's overly-critical photogs looking at things at 100% crop on their screen...just not practical. If you're sending the body in, ask them to look at the noise issue, too.