topic Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

Ckopp63 — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 16:58:41 GMT

Hello-
I am trying to take pictures of me and my baby using the self timer... however, when I press the button to take the picture it keeps focusing and won’t start the timer. ( I’m using a solid color back drop) I’ve tried using manual focus and it will take the picture but it is blurry.. any idea why this is happening and how I can fix it? Thanks in advance!

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

jrhoffman75 — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:19:09 GMT

The camera can only focus if it has enough light and suffiicient contrast. You need to select centerpoing focus and be sure you are centered in the image window.

Put a chair or a table and lamp in the position you will be located and focus camera. Switch to MF and stand in place of the prop.

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

ebiggs1 — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 14:57:54 GMT

"I’ve tried using manual focus and it will take the picture but it is blurry.. "

You just missed the focus. Try it again but be very critical on the focus point. Put something in the exact spot you will be and focus on it. Vertical lines are best. If you have some vertical lines in the shot AF might even work. Not many if any camera can focus on a solid color BG.

Now the next issue is DOF. Depth of field. It is a term that dictates how much of the photo will be in sharp focus. I suspect you are indoors where the light isn't optimal and the camera is selecting a more open aperture, say f2 for example. The DOF at f2 and a relatively close to the camera distance, the DOF will shrink to a few inches or less. Adding some extra light can let the camera select an aperture, say f8, where the DOF will be much larger. More in focus is the nottom line.

So try critical MF and add some light to the subject. You'll do fine.

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

ebiggs1 — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 14:54:04 GMT

You might be able to get a remote trigger for your T7. That way you can let it try and AF until it either does or does not. Usually remoter trigger aren't too expensive but if you do a lot of this photography you will love it.

Again try to have some vertical lines in the shot. That will help.

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

RobertTheFat — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 15:31:58 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
You might be able to get a remote trigger for your T7. That way you can let it try and AF until it either does or does not. Usually remoter trigger aren't too expensive but if you do a lot of this photography you will love it.

Again try to have some vertical lines in the shot. That will help.

That was my first thought too; but I looked it up, and the T7 doesn't appear to have an IR receptor. The clumsy method using the self timer may be the only option.

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

John_ — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 15:39:35 GMT

I would guess the T7 has a remote shutter input port, either wired or wireless. The wireless ones with the transmitter and receiver can be had for about 20-30 dollars. They do come in handy and the transmitters are usually small so for a self-portrait, it can be concealed.

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

kvbarkley — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 16:32:14 GMT

You can also use your smartphone:

If you don't have the Wireless Connection manual, you can download it from the Canon Support site.

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

RobertTheFat — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:12:49 GMT

@kvbarkley wrote:
You can also use your smartphone:

If you don't have the Wireless Connection manual, you can download it from the Canon Support site.

Holding a (probably wriggling) baby while operating a camera via a smartphone? Good luck with that!

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

ebiggs1 — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:15:19 GMT

"I would guess the T7 has a remote shutter input port, either wired or wireless..."

I am not up on the T7 but I would certainly think there was a wired remote trigger. And, I would much prefer it over the iphone connection.

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

kvbarkley — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:26:17 GMT

Except the T7 does not have a flipout screen, the cell phone can at least let you preview the shot.

Besides, it is up to the OP to decide which option works best.

Well, there is always soothing syrup 8^) :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs._Winslow%27s_Soothing_Syrup

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

John_ — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:27:31 GMT

Yes, it does have a remote shutter input port. It takes the same wired Remote Switch RS-60E3 as other Rebels do or any 2.5mm plug-in type wired or wireless switch. Some of those wireless transmitters are small. like the size of your cars key FOB and easy to use and keep out of the shot

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

John_ — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:31:49 GMT

wow! I didn't realize it does not have a flip-out screen...what was Canon thinking? Now I know it is just an opinion but for me, that is a real deal-breaker.

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

jrhoffman75 — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:34:31 GMT

Price point. The T7i has a flip screen.

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

John_ — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:37:24 GMT

Ahh I think that is why too.

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

ebiggs1 — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:38:26 GMT

"I didn't realize it does not have a flip-out screen..."

I don't know what Canon was thinking but even without a flip screen I would still opt for a remote trigger over a smartphone.

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

ebiggs1 — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:40:45 GMT

"Yes, it does have a remote shutter input port..."

"Holding a (probably wriggling) baby while operating a camera via a smartphone? Good luck with that!"

Yes good luck with that.

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

Ckopp63 — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 18:51:35 GMT

Thank you all for your advice, I wasn’t expecting so many responses! I haven’t been able to find any answers online or the manual so, you guys are awesome. I will give all of this a shot and see what works best!

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

kvbarkley — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 19:06:30 GMT

"Holding a (probably wriggling) baby while operating a camera via a smartphone? Good luck with that!"

This seems to be SOP for mom's today, in general, not even when trying to take a picture! 8^)

Re: Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

ebiggs1 — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 14:24:24 GMT

"I will give all of this a shot and see what works best!"

If you decide to use your iphone, use it to call a friend!