Weird shutter button on Canons

[tkbslc]

So I had decided I wanted a new Canon P&S, like the SD1100. I went to test one and the shutter button seemed really odd. When you push the button the first time, it won't take a picture, it just focuses. Then you can push the shutter button a second time to take a picture. I could kind of make it take a picture, but I had to hold down the button for like 2-3 seconds. This seems really odd and I can't believe it doesn't bug more people. On my current Casio and Fuji I can just grab the camera and hit the shutter button, if I didn't pre focus with a half press, it quickly focuses for me and snaps the shot. It seemed hard to make the Canon do that. I looked at a relative's SD850 and it was the same way. I commented on that and she said, "yeah, you have to hold it down to take a shot" Isn't there a way to make it take a quick shot?

[Beowulff]

I can't figure out exactly what you were doing wrong with the Canon SD1100, but you're definitely not utilising its shutter correctly! :confused:

You might like to check out its timings at this site (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsd1100is/page9.asp).

In fact, DPReview give it a pretty good rating timing-wise, for start-up, focusing, and capture.

Maybe the sample cam you tried was defective, particularly if it was a store demo model that'd been thrashed mercilessly?

Cheers :)

[David Metsky]

Maybe the sample cam you tried was defective, particularly if it was a store demo model that'd been thrashed mercilessly?

That's my guess as well. My two SD-series cameras didn't display this problem.

[tkbslc]

I tried one at a different store today, and borrowed that other SD850 again for an extended test. Same result. It seems the Canons FORCE you to prefocus where other cameras do not. If not, yu have to hold down the button for 1 second or so to override it.

For example on my Fuji, I can just give the shutter button a quick press and it thinks for a half second and takes a picture. I can also do the half press to focus better and then full press to take the shot. On the canons I tried you have to prefocus with the first press and then it instantly shoots with the second one. The override seems to be a 1 second (I guess I was exaggerating above) hold down. It is just probably something you get used to, but no other cameras seem to force the prefocus like the 4 canons I've tried now. Pretty sure all of those weren't defective.

Anyway, seems really annoying, but you probably get used to it.

[David Metsky]

I tried one at a different store today, and borrowed that other SD850 again for an extended test. Same result. It seems the Canons FORCE you to prefocus where other cameras do not. If not, yu have to hold down the button for 1 second or so to override it.
I can't explain your experience. But I've never encountered what you describe on any Canon camera I've owned or used.

[Razr]

I tried one at a different store today, and borrowed that other SD850 again for an extended test. Same result. It seems the Canons FORCE you to prefocus where other cameras do not. If not, yu have to hold down the button for 1 second or so to override it.

Taking everything you say into account, one could gather a number of things are happening when you attempt to shoot:

1. You did not read the shooting protocols for your camera.
*All Canon EOS bodies MUST be pre-focused (by shutter button or manually) before the shutter will release: no exceptions.
2. You might (I suggest might) not have engaged the "AF"/"MF" button on your lens.
3. You might (might) have dirty contacts on your camera body.
4. Or dirty lens contacts; or both.
5. Your body/lenses are not making proper contact.
6. You're shooting "slow" lenses in "low light".
7. You've not ramped up the ISO to take into account the lighting or ISO.
8. You're hopelessly inept with machinery; or your fears of screwing up have paralyzed your brain and fingers; at one.
*That happens a lot whenever people are trying to learn things which take hand/eye coordination: like my sister’s totally inept attempts trying to learn how to drive (she's an Educator and PhD. Candidate for cripes sake) with driving professionals: after four tries she never got close (considering how poorly she fared on the highway, we should all be thankful they flunked her).

For example on my Fuji, I can just give the shutter button a quick press and it thinks for a half second and takes a picture.

"Half second" you say? I'd ditch that Fuji.

[ I can also do the half press to focus better and then full press to take the shot.

Your real problem? You're trying to think this "problem" through when all you have to do is half-press the shutter button to focus then follow through with the shot.

On the canons I tried you have to prefocus with the first press and then it instantly shoots with the second one.

9. "DUH"!

The override seems to be a 1 second (I guess I was exaggerating above) hold down. It is just probably something you get used to, but no other cameras seem to force the prefocus like the 4 canons I've tried now. Pretty sure all of those weren't defective.

10. Could be you're a total spaz (and I say that with no disrespect intended.)
Stop thinking and start doing.

[David Metsky]

Taking everything you say into account, one could gather a number of things are happening when you attempt to shoot:

Considering we're talking about an SD850 and an SD1100, not a DSLR, most of your post doesn't apply.

[Razr]

Considering we're talking about an SD850 and an SD1100, not a DSLR, most of your post doesn't apply.

Perhasp you yourself do not appreciate the fact all CANON shutter release techniques are essentially the same?
100% of what I said applies to anyone who wants to learn, especially onlooking DSLR owners who can use much of what I said in their shooting.

The OP is having trouble with their shutter release technique; what I said was again dead-on for anyone with like problems, DSLR or not.

[Beowulff]

All Canon EOS bodies MUST be pre-focused (by shutter button or manually)before the shutter will release: no exceptions.This doesn't apply to Canon point 'n' shooters such as the SD1100. Which is what the OP was asking about, and not dSLRs.

You might not have engaged the "AF"/"MF" button on your lens.Again, the SD1100 doesn't have manual focus, only AUTO. There is no button.

Or dirty lens contacts; or..... Your body/lenses are not making proper contact..... You're shooting "slow" lenses in "low light".Um... the SD1100 has a fixed lens.


There's really no point in maybe further confusing tkbslc by explaining how a dSLR works shutter-/lens-/focus-wise etc. What you've posted is certainly spot on for a dSLR, but otherwise of no help to someone asking about a P&S.

Cheers :)

[JTL]

*All Canon EOS bodies MUST be pre-focused (by shutter button or manually) before the shutter will release: no exceptions.Simply not true. Several Canon EOS models have "release priority" which allows the shutter to be acutuated whether focus is achieved or not when AF is set to on. And, when manually foucisng, there is no "pre-focusing" limitations on tripping the shutter. None. So, I don't know where you are getting your information, but IT IS WRONG.

But, as has been stated, the OP wasn't even asking about an EOS camera...:rolleyes:

[tkbslc]

Taking everything you say into account, one could gather a number of things are happening when you attempt to shoot:

1. You did not read the shooting protocols for your camera.
*All Canon EOS bodies MUST be pre-focused (by shutter button or manually) before the shutter will release: no exceptions.
2. You might (I suggest might) not have engaged the "AF"/"MF" button on your lens.
3. You might (might) have dirty contacts on your camera body.
4. Or dirty lens contacts; or both.
5. Your body/lenses are not making proper contact.
6. You're shooting "slow" lenses in "low light".
7. You've not ramped up the ISO to take into account the lighting or ISO.
8. You're hopelessly inept with machinery; or your fears of screwing up have paralyzed your brain and fingers; at one.
*That happens a lot whenever people are trying to learn things which take hand/eye coordination: like my sister’s totally inept attempts trying to learn how to drive (she's an Educator and PhD. Candidate for cripes sake) with driving professionals: after four tries she never got close (considering how poorly she fared on the highway, we should all be thankful they flunked her).



"Half second" you say? I'd ditch that Fuji.

[

Your real problem? You're trying to think this "problem" through when all you have to do is half-press the shutter button to focus then follow through with the shot.



9. "DUH"!



10. Could be you're a total spaz (and I say that with no disrespect intended.)
Stop thinking and start doing.


Wow, you wasted a lot of time on this message and the only thing I got out of it is that you are somewhat pretentious and kind of a jerk - and I say that with no disrepect. ;)