EOS Rebel T3 not taking quality pics

[ASHDFLASH]

I have a 2 yr old Rebel T3. When I first began taking pictures I was very pleased with the quality, clarity and vibrant colors. It seemed every shot was a great one! Within the last 8 months or so... My pictures look "blah"... The color saturation is not as vibrant. The contrast doesn't seem right.. And more of my pics are turning out somewhat blurry or just not as sharp. I've cleared the settings to return to factory settings. Is something just getting worn out from my camera because of use? I've taken over 5,000 pics with it.

Is it the photo card? Do I need a better quality card? Or does the lens or camera that just need a tuneup?

Love my camera...it's only 2 yrs old.... Don't want to have to buy a new one

[ebiggs1]

" I'm just a mom who takes pics of my son playing baseball, my daughter cheering and various events and holidays in the life of my family."

And exactly what your camera was designed for.  Good for you!   But I am afraid if everything is as you stated, the lens may need some attention.  Is one lens still working as it should?  Or are both lenses making fuzzy photos?

There really isn't anything inside the camera that gets dirty and needs to be cleaned except the sensor.  It doesn't sound like you ever put your camera into a situation where even this is possibile.  But if you feel it may be the case, you should not do it.  It needs to be done by a service center.

On a lighter note about the 5000 shots, mostly these numbers are done by pro's doing a job.  Most of them use a camera that is designed to go 300,000 shots.  I know of one guy that went over a million on a 1D Mk III. BVYW, Rebels have a estimated life span of 50,000 shots..

[ScottyP]

The T3i shutter is rated for 100,000 actuations, not 50,000.