topic Re: EOS 70D Not Working in Dark in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

EOS 70D Not Working in Dark

um012015 — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 00:46:51 GMT

I started taking a photography class this past January. Unfortunately my professor teaches everything with Nikon and doesn't know very much about Canon. I bought my Canon this January and have been learning all the ins and outs. However, when I try to take a picture in the dark (part of my assignment), regardless of the setting, the camera will not snap. I have to turn on some lit before it would work. The professor took several shots with his Nikon in class with the lens cap on to demonstrate in class. Do any of you know why?

Re: EOS 70D Not Working in Dark

ScottyP — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 02:34:55 GMT

It is trying to autofocus and it can't in the dark.

Focus the camera with lights on. Turn AF to MF (manual focus) with the switch on your lens. Turn off lights. Take picture.

Re: EOS 70D Not Working in Dark

um012015 — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 04:59:33 GMT

Thanks a whole lot. It worked.

Re: EOS 70D Not Working in Dark

TCampbell — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 06:03:31 GMT

In "One Shot" mode (the default), the camera uses "focus priority". It will not snap a picture until it can confirm focus lock. It WILL take the shot if you switch off auto-focus (because now you've basically told the camera not to worry about focus.)

In "AI Servo" mode, it uses "release priority". It will take a picture as soon as you fully press the shutter button and it will do this whether or not it was focused.

When shooting in the dark you would presumably be using flash OR a tripod.

Re: EOS 70D Not Working in Dark

ScottyP — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 11:10:54 GMT

Tim you are right about servo letting you shoot without focus but I recommended he focus first and turn AF off. If you put it in servo it lets you snap shots but they won't be in focus if it is dark and the AF is just hunting.

Re: EOS 70D Not Working in Dark

ebiggs1 — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 15:26:48 GMT

"Unfortunately my professor teaches everything with Nikon and doesn't know very much ..."

I agree with this part! I have a Nikon D3 in my hands right now and I garrantee you it will not take a picture with the lens cap on and the lens in AF. It is no differen than your D70 in that reguard.

Re: EOS 70D Not Working in Dark

um012015 — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 00:16:16 GMT

Thanks to you all for your responses. I am sure as I go along with my class and learn more about the camera, I will have more questions. Thnaks

Re: EOS 70D Not Working in Dark

MotownJG — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 16:12:15 GMT

I've done that. Tried to take a photo with the lens cap on..... 😞

Re: EOS 70D Not Working in Dark

scottmurray — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 20:52:50 GMT

Another solution use a flashlight to illuminate your subject for focus..

Re: EOS 70D Not Working in Dark

RobertTheFat — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 21:18:20 GMT

@scottmurray wrote:
Another solution use a flashlight to illuminate your subject for focus..

OK, if you've actually tried it. But I believe that AF assist beams tend to be biased towards the red end of the spectrum, while modern flashlights try to radiate at frequencies that are a better match for the sensitivity of the human eye. So you may need to use a flashlight that's bright enough for that not to matter.

Also, it's easier to use a flashlight as an assist beam if you happen to have three hands.

Re: EOS 70D Not Working in Dark

desultory — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 12:37:00 GMT

You can achieve interesting and (maybe)pleasing effects from a time exposure that enhances specific areas of the image with an additional light source. It's like burning in the dark room.