Canon Rebel T7 not taking pictures in AF mode

[MStan]

Hello.  I bought my Canon camera several months ago.  I used it twice in AF mode with different lenses and had no problems.  A few weeks ago, I went to use it again and in AF mode and when I click to take a picture it just makes a clicking sound and does not take picture.  It does the same thing when I change to the other lens as well. I attached a picture of what the screen looks likes when I try to take a picture. I was trying to take a picture of a pumpkin which is why it is orange.  In addition to what is on the picture, there is also always a number on the bottom left of the view screen that blinks. I cleared the settings to try and start from scratch, but the same thing is happening. If anyone has any suggestions or can offer any assistance, I would greatly appreciate it.  Thank you. 

[deebatman316 · Accepted solution]

Are you using live view (rear LCD screen) or viewfinder. If you're trying to picture of something that lacks contrast. The camera will NOT lock focus. Or if there isn't a contrast difference between items.

[Tronhard · Accepted solution]

Definitely agree with Demetrius:  If the issue is happening when you are taking a picture as shown, you have given the focusing system nothing definitive to focus on, exacerbated by it being in Face Tracking mode. 

I suggest you zoom out so you can see the whole pumpkin and either (as Demetrius suggested) use manual focus, or autofocus on the stalk of the pumpkin with something like an f/8 aperture.

[deebatman316 · Accepted solution]

I agree with my colleague Trevor. I was going to go another step forward and test the camera OUTSIDE with an item with plenty of contrast such as a tree. Now to the OP your camera requires contrast to focus. For instance the camera won't focus on a clear blue sky. The reason is because the sky lacks contrast. Also how is the lighting inside. What looks dim to you may be inadequate for the camera to lock focus. The camera in that case may require an AF Assist Beam from the built-in flash. Especially when using the viewfinder coupled with a variable aperture lens. Such as the EF-S 18-55mm lens lineup.

[deebatman316 · Accepted solution]

Are you using live view (rear LCD screen) or viewfinder. If you're trying to picture of something that lacks contrast. The camera will NOT lock focus. Or if there isn't a contrast difference between items.

[Tronhard · Accepted solution]

Definitely agree with Demetrius:  If the issue is happening when you are taking a picture as shown, you have given the focusing system nothing definitive to focus on, exacerbated by it being in Face Tracking mode. 

I suggest you zoom out so you can see the whole pumpkin and either (as Demetrius suggested) use manual focus, or autofocus on the stalk of the pumpkin with something like an f/8 aperture.

[deebatman316 · Accepted solution]

I agree with my colleague Trevor. I was going to go another step forward and test the camera OUTSIDE with an item with plenty of contrast such as a tree. Now to the OP your camera requires contrast to focus. For instance the camera won't focus on a clear blue sky. The reason is because the sky lacks contrast. Also how is the lighting inside. What looks dim to you may be inadequate for the camera to lock focus. The camera in that case may require an AF Assist Beam from the built-in flash. Especially when using the viewfinder coupled with a variable aperture lens. Such as the EF-S 18-55mm lens lineup.

[stevet1 · Accepted solution]

MStan,

In addition to the advice that others have given you, you might also be running into the problem of minimum focusing distance. That pumpkin really fills up the whole screen. Try backing up a little.

Steve Thomas

[MStan]

Thank you everyone for your help.  With those few adjustments, it seems to be working as it should now.  

Mary

[stevet1]

Mary,

Terrific!

Steve Thomas