Can’t take photographs

[Diane74]

Hello all!

Allow me to begin by saying that I don’t have a clue about what I’m doing, so please be gentle!

I bought a lovely 77d a couple of years ago. The guy in the shop kindly set everything to auto and I’ve had no trouble since. I got the camera with the kit lens and I bought an additional 70-300mm lens which I use more often. 

Yesterday, I was at a horse show, happily taking shots and then I took it back out of the bag and it just wouldn’t work. 

I changed the memory card, took the battery out and then back in and removed and reattached the lens, but all to no avail. 

If you could give me some guidance I would be very grateful. Thank you! 

[Diane74]

Thank you! I must investigate for an AF button on the lens. Thank you for the advice.

[Diane74]

I didn’t try changing lens, and I’ve never tried manual focus! Sorry, that must sound appalling lol! Good points though for future reference and thank you.

[RobertTheFat]

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@Diane74 wrote:

Hello all!

Allow me to begin by saying that I don’t have a clue about what I’m doing, so please be gentle!

I bought a lovely 77d a couple of years ago. The guy in the shop kindly set everything to auto and I’ve had no trouble since. I got the camera with the kit lens and I bought an additional 70-300mm lens which I use more often. 

Yesterday, I was at a horse show, happily taking shots and then I took it back out of the bag and it just wouldn’t work. 

I changed the memory card, took the battery out and then back in and removed and reattached the lens, but all to no avail. 

If you could give me some guidance I would be very grateful. Thank you! 

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What the guy in the camera shop did for you will take you only so far. I'm afraid it's time to read the instruction manual. If that doesn't clarify the problem (and maybe even if it does), you may have to have the camera repaired.

[Diane74]

Thanks Bob, the manual is actually a tiny little thing with no info other than set up etc, I certainly found it of no use the other day. I think the next time I can I’ll pop into the shop for them to have a look. I’ve also messaged two local camera clubs about joining, time I learnt how to use this thing!!
Thanks!

[RobertTheFat]

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@Diane74 wrote:
Thanks Bob, the manual is actually a tiny little thing with no info other than set up etc, I certainly found it of no use the other day. I think the next time I can I’ll pop into the shop for them to have a look. I’ve also messaged two local camera clubs about joining, time I learnt how to use this thing!!
Thanks!

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You may not have the complete manual. All instruction manuals for Canon cameras as recent as yours are available for download on Canon's Web site. I'd take a look. Not having the correct manual is a handicap you don't need when you're deep in the learning process.

[Diane74]

I’m such a dope, never thought of that! I shouldn’t be allowed out alone lol! Thanks Bob, I’ll do that.

[TCampbell · Accepted solution]

I suspect this may be related to auto-focus (AF).

By default the camera will not take a photo unless it is able to confirm that it has focused (this behavior is known as "focus priority").  The behavior can be overriden (in a couple of ways).

In order to lock focus ... the camera will need enough light and a subject with some contrast.  

If you test the camera outside on a bright sunny day ... it may have no difficulty quickly locking focus.  Do the same thing in poor lighting (e.g. inside with poor lighting) and it may struggle to lock focus.  Sometimes you'll hear the focus motor trying to find focus ... and then it gives up.

There could be other reasons for it's failure to let you take a photo ... this is just one possible reason.

There is a switch on the side of the lens barrel labeled 'AF/MF' (auto-focus vs. manual focus) and if you switch it to manual then it should take a shot the moment you press the shutter button (it wont try to focus if using manual focus mode ... of course it also means you have to manual focus or you'll get blurry images).    If the focus mode is changed from the factory default mode of 'One Shot' to instead use 'AI Servo' mode then it will also immediately take photos (but it is highly recommended that when using AI Servo mode, you first half-press the shutter ... wait for the camera to focus ... then fully press the shutter when you are ready to capture the shot.  AI Servo will continuously keep focusing as long as you keep the shutter button half-pressed.

Note that if the camera is in full 'Auto' mode, many settings are locked out.  

The camera also has Program mode (P).  P is nearly identical to full Auto mode ... *except* you can change settings and override camera defaults.  

You'll benefit enormously from learning the ins and outs of your camera.  There are some books that are great for beginners.  Bryan Peterson's book 'Understanding Exposure' is very good for beginners.  Scott Kelby also has a 'Digital Photography' series of books.   These books are not Canon model-specific ... they're generic books that would apply to most any Digital SLR camera user.

[Diane74]

Hi Tim,
Thank you so much for your comprehensive reply! I really appreciate it. I’m going to have a look at all those possibilities that you have mentioned.
Thank you for the books that you have recommended. I’m definitely going to invest. High time I educated myself.
Thanks again, Diane

[BurnUnit]

Definitely download a copy of the full owner's manual from the Canon website if you didn't get a printed version with your camera. Canon seems to do a better job than some other manufacturers as far as their documentation and manuals.

I bought my 60D over seven years ago and still find myself re-reading parts of the manual just to make sure that I'm as smart as I think I am. And I'm still finding features that I didn't know and/or remember that it had.

Get a copy of the manual. Sit down and put your feet up. Have your camera handy. Prepare yourself a lovely beverage and dig in. But take it in a little at a time. Don't try to read it all in one setting or you'll likely be overwhelmed. And be sure to check back here if you get stumped on something.

[Diane74]

I will do just that! Thank you