Who here has the Canon D20? - GoFuckYourself.com

Paul Markham · 12-02-2005, 03:44 AM

Because I'm having real problems focusing ours. The Nikon D100 is too good, but the D20 is crap and I can't see why.

Got a Canon pro lens on the D20 and the Nikon has a Tokina which is a cheaper lens.

xenigo · 12-02-2005, 03:53 AM

Paul,
Describe the lighting conditions when you're having these focusing problems. As you already know, the cameras will sometimes have difficulty in low-contrast scenarios, and low light can contribute to this.

The 20D does not have any inherently flawed focus problems that I'm aware of. I've used it professionally and my opinion is that the camera rocks. I've not had any complaints. I just ordered myself an XT which has the same focusing system, because I've been equally impressed with the performance of these cameras.

-Noah

BrettJ · 12-02-2005, 03:58 AM

I do. But I'm pretty novice (20D's are known to have a higher number of lemons whose sensor/chip whatever doesn't focus properly)

xenigo · 12-02-2005, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrettJ

I do. But I'm pretty novice (20D's are known to have a higher number of lemons whose sensor/chip whatever doesn't focus properly)

I haven't heard of that issue. And I spend probably too much time in the photography forums.

Mr. Mojo Risin · 12-02-2005, 04:04 AM

No problems focusing it for me.

abyss_al · 12-02-2005, 04:07 AM

maybe the viewfinder?

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos20d/page5.asp

Paul Markham · 12-02-2005, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenigo

Paul,
Describe the lighting conditions when you're having these focusing problems. As you already know, the cameras will sometimes have difficulty in low-contrast scenarios, and low light can contribute to this.

The 20D does not have any inherently flawed focus problems that I'm aware of. I've used it professionally and my opinion is that the camera rocks. I've not had any complaints. I just ordered myself an XT which has the same focusing system, because I've been equally impressed with the performance of these cameras.

-Noah

I'm shooting exactly the same thing with the D20 and the D100 and getting different results, very different.

Going to lunch and will work on it when I get back. But there is something wrong.

xenigo · 12-02-2005, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abyss_al

maybe the viewfinder?

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos20d/page5.asp

Yeah, that's a really good suggestion. Paul, are you sure it's the actual photos that are blurry and not just the viewfinder focus?

Validus · 12-02-2005, 04:35 AM

I got the 20D and love it! No problems at all with it!

AdultWebGraphics · 12-02-2005, 05:58 AM

what's the "Pro Lens" I highly doubt it's the 20d, I bet it's the actual lens itself.

JFK · 12-02-2005, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenigo

Yeah, that's a really good suggestion. Paul, are you sure it's the actual photos that are blurry and not just the viewfinder focus?

that was my suggesstion as well, adjust the diopter to you eye

Paul Markham · 12-02-2005, 06:20 AM

No there is something wrong with the camera, here are two pics, some shot, lighting and position. Both cropped to actual size and compressed 88%

The Nikon is sharper.

Paul Markham · 12-02-2005, 11:33 AM

Bumping it for opinions on the two images.

JFK · 12-02-2005, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Markham

Bumping it for opinions on the two images.

are the white balance settings identical ? was it taken with a tripod or just hand held ?

Paul Markham · 12-02-2005, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFK

are the white balance settings identical ? was it taken with a tripod or just hand held ?

Two different makes of camera so balancing the whites balance would be tough. Hand held but firing with strobes so not a problem.

Juilan · 12-02-2005, 11:51 AM

Paul, some copies of these cameras like the earlier 10D can have back & front focusing issues, and some lens can as well. Here is a link to a test for front & back focusing testing. I've had to deal with sub par copies and am happy I exchanged them.
Link

Brad Gosse · 12-02-2005, 12:05 PM

Have you tried manually setting the AF point? Sometimes the af point used is not the one you want. I manually set mine to the middle and use that point for focusing.

I have the 20D and my pics focus much better. I have an EF S series lens

Shooting_Maniac1 · 12-02-2005, 12:27 PM

Nikon for years and years have been a superior product. You get what you pay for and here is just more proof that I will continue to only use Nikon. BTW, why the hell would you use anything but Nikon glass? Seems unthinkable for someone to use a knockoff like Tokina when spending that kinda of money on a Nikon body.

TreasureBucks · 12-02-2005, 12:34 PM

20D..... and the Canon rebel, are both giving us "error 99"

Apparently, its cuased from the lens and the body's connections, having grease or dirt on them.... remedy.... a rubber eraser to clean off the connections. Works most of them time.

and I had to send the rebel in once becuase the shutter locked up.

We use them alot, so maybe its just normal wear and tear, but weve had alot of problems with them.

Tim · 12-02-2005, 12:34 PM

That is bizarre. I have yet to master my 20D

onlytease · 12-02-2005, 02:40 PM

The Canon 20D rocks, a great camera. Have you tried cleaning the lens contacts? Also as someone else suggested, maybe use just one AF point rather than all 9?

latinasojourn · 12-02-2005, 04:02 PM

might be DOF issue, f/stop same on both camera bodies?

is focal length magnifier the same for both bodies, if it is not but cameras are in same position on tripod this will change DOF even if f/stop is the same.

are both lenses screwed in to the bayonet stops?

was a dump truck driving by exactly at the time of canon exposure?

was shutter speed the same?

is flash sync speed the same. iso set the same?

many variables could cause this.

try same test using same f/stop, same shutter speed on manual, same metering scheme, manual focus, and check results.

Paul Markham · 12-04-2005, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juilan

Paul, some copies of these cameras like the earlier 10D can have back & front focusing issues, and some lens can as well. Here is a link to a test for front & back focusing testing. I've had to deal with sub par copies and am happy I exchanged them.
Link

Thanks this was very helpful, when I go to work tomorrow I will be looking at the camera and seeing how it's set up. Good graph for detecting the focussing point.

Quote:

Brad Gosse
Have you tried manually setting the AF point? Sometimes the af point used is not the one you want. I manually set mine to the middle and use that point for focusing.

I have the 20D and my pics focus much better. I have an EF S series lens

The focussing point is central on the camera, we have the Canon pro lens.

Shooting_Maniac1 The Canon D20 is a lot more money than the Nikon D100, so that's not the issue. On the nikon we tested the Nikon lens and the Tokina, identical results. I wonder where Tokina and Nikon get there glass from?

Quote:

The Canon 20D rocks, a great camera. Have you tried cleaning the lens contacts? Also as someone else suggested, maybe use just one AF point rather than all 9?

Using one only. But will try cleaning the lens contacts.

Quote:

might be DOF issue, f/stop same on both camera bodies?

is focal length magnifier the same for both bodies, if it is not but cameras are in same position on tripod this will change DOF even if f/stop is the same.

are both lenses screwed in to the bayonet stops?

was a dump truck driving by exactly at the time of canon exposure?

was shutter speed the same?

is flash sync speed the same. iso set the same?

many variables could cause this.

try same test using same f/stop, same shutter speed on manual, same metering scheme, manual focus, and check results.

Similar Fstop, 1/3 difference, was using strobe lights. Will try manual focus.

Thanks guys. will keep working at it. At the moment we are only using the Nikon D100 and I want to go back and check all the images off the Canon to see if this has always been a problem.

Posted the problem on the DP board to see if they have the answer.

AaronM · 12-04-2005, 02:27 AM

I'm not gonna read this thread so this may have already been said. (I'm a poet)

Upgrade the bios. When I did that ALL the little quirks went away.

Paul Markham · 12-04-2005, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronM

I'm not gonna read this thread so this may have already been said. (I'm a poet)

Upgrade the bios. When I did that ALL the little quirks went away.

What are the "bios" I'm not a technical guy and openly admit to it.

AaronM · 12-04-2005, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Markham

What are the "bios" I'm not a technical guy and openly admit to it.

Uhhhh....Bios, firmware...Whatever.

Cory W · 12-04-2005, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shooting_Maniac1

Nikon for years and years have been a superior product. You get what you pay for and here is just more proof that I will continue to only use Nikon. BTW, why the hell would you use anything but Nikon glass? Seems unthinkable for someone to use a knockoff like Tokina when spending that kinda of money on a Nikon body.

There are a lot of shooting test that show otherwise. I will dig for the most recent one I found.

AlienQ - BANNED FOR LIFE · 12-04-2005, 02:54 AM

There are some good hacks for Canons firmware

Paul Markham · 12-04-2005, 03:07 AM

It seems I'm not the only one with the problem.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read...pinion =28337

Quote:

Opinion
We've tested 2 D20's in the past 3 months, and both had the same issue, poor focusing, lens used was the 85 1.2 can't get much better then this lens. Manual always gave us a better picture, the Jpeg files seem to soft, a D60 will do on average a better job for 1/3 the money. We have switched over to Nikon, d100,d1x,d2x, after the problems we had with this camera, "" note we kept 1ds great camera "

Problems
Poor Focusing, 2 different cameras same issue with both, off on focusing,

Paul Markham · 12-04-2005, 03:17 AM

Lot og negative reviews hwere.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read...pinion =28135

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read...pinion =28117

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read...pinion =28038

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read...pinion =27151

But most seem very happy so maybe I'm doing something wrong.

Keev · 12-04-2005, 03:39 AM

the err 99 is one either a connection with the memory card or the lens contacts ors osmething with the lens not talking to the camera of some sorts... Thats been my run in when i tired using a non canon lens...

Nydahl · 12-04-2005, 05:11 AM

how about metering modes ? Tried diferent sut ups ?
Anyway have read the threads on dpreview you linked to and it looks like this might be a weekness of this cam - you are not the only 1.
Buy some pro cam like D1 - its giving a great results and you can see the difference just looking at pic.

Grapesoda · 12-04-2005, 06:32 AM

here ya go: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1019

rowan · 12-04-2005, 06:37 AM

Canon recommends an unsharp mask of 0.3/300%/0 before you start post processing. If you're shooting in JPEG then try fiddling with the sharpness settings on the camera. I believe the Canon has a more aggressive moire/IR filter which does lose some sharpness.

It may also help if you actually tell us which Canon lens you're using... you seem to keep avoiding the question.

Finally, taking a test shot of a small object isn't really indicative of real world shots, unless you want to fill the screen with a model's nose.

Juilan · 12-04-2005, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlienQ

There are some good hacks for Canons firmware

How would one procure...

Paul Markham · 12-08-2005, 05:00 AM

To keep you updated on this.

Eva phoned Canon CZ, they immediately knew the problem and told her to bring the camera in. She has done that and it's gone to Prague to be fixed.

Seems we're not the only ones.

As for getting a D1 or even D10, would do if more decent magazines took digital, but most want slides so we stick to that.

The Nikon D100 is good enough for the Net.

Tricksy · 12-08-2005, 06:24 AM

I'm using Canon 20D for a year now, the only problem I have with it is that IT DOESN'T WORK ON ELEVATION 4550m :-) I got an Error 99 and only when I got down to 2000m it started working again.

Tricksy · 12-08-2005, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreasureBucks

20D..... and the Canon rebel, are both giving us "error 99"

Apparently, its cuased from the lens and the body's connections, having grease or dirt on them.... remedy.... a rubber eraser to clean off the connections. Works most of them time.

and I had to send the rebel in once becuase the shutter locked up.

We use them alot, so maybe its just normal wear and tear, but weve had alot of problems with them.

THANK U so much for this comment. I have a question though: Should I just clean the CMOS sensor?

12-02-2005, 03:44 AM	#1
Paul Markham Too old to care Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: On the sofa, watching TV or doing my jigsaws. Posts: 52,943	Who here has the Canon D20? Because I'm having real problems focusing ours. The Nikon D100 is too good, but the D20 is crap and I can't see why. Got a Canon pro lens on the D20 and the Nikon has a Tokina which is a cheaper lens. __________________ Blowout deal. 880 videos, 2,400 image sets, plus many RAW videos. $500. PM me for a deal. Skype Paulmarkham70

12-02-2005, 04:07 AM	#6
abyss_al LOOKING FOR TRADES Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 15,605	maybe the viewfinder? http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos20d/page5.asp __________________ EMAIL: allen @ vasmediagroup.com \| ICQ: 311329761 \| SKYPE: abyss.al \| AIM: xABYSSxALx

12-02-2005, 06:20 AM	#12
Paul Markham Too old to care Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: On the sofa, watching TV or doing my jigsaws. Posts: 52,943	No there is something wrong with the camera, here are two pics, some shot, lighting and position. Both cropped to actual size and compressed 88% The Nikon is sharper. __________________ Blowout deal. 880 videos, 2,400 image sets, plus many RAW videos. $500. PM me for a deal. Skype Paulmarkham70

12-02-2005, 11:33 AM	#13
Paul Markham Too old to care Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: On the sofa, watching TV or doing my jigsaws. Posts: 52,943	Bumping it for opinions on the two images. __________________ Blowout deal. 880 videos, 2,400 image sets, plus many RAW videos. $500. PM me for a deal. Skype Paulmarkham70

12-02-2005, 11:51 AM	#16
Juilan Sultan of Swing Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: XXXodus Posts: 15,141	Paul, some copies of these cameras like the earlier 10D can have back & front focusing issues, and some lens can as well. Here is a link to a test for front & back focusing testing. I've had to deal with sub par copies and am happy I exchanged them. Link __________________ My Best Converting VOD Sponsor \|

12-02-2005, 03:53 AM	#2
xenigo Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 8,067	Paul, Describe the lighting conditions when you're having these focusing problems. As you already know, the cameras will sometimes have difficulty in low-contrast scenarios, and low light can contribute to this. The 20D does not have any inherently flawed focus problems that I'm aware of. I've used it professionally and my opinion is that the camera rocks. I've not had any complaints. I just ordered myself an XT which has the same focusing system, because I've been equally impressed with the performance of these cameras. -Noah

12-02-2005, 03:58 AM	#3
BrettJ ol' timer Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 4,715	I do. But I'm pretty novice (20D's are known to have a higher number of lemons whose sensor/chip whatever doesn't focus properly)

12-02-2005, 04:04 AM	#5
Mr. Mojo Risin Confirmed User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: In the middle of nowhere Posts: 1,886	No problems focusing it for me.

12-02-2005, 04:35 AM	#9
Validus Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 4,012	I got the 20D and love it! No problems at all with it!

12-02-2005, 05:58 AM	#10
AdultWebGraphics Confirmed User Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 980	what's the "Pro Lens" I highly doubt it's the 20d, I bet it's the actual lens itself.

12-02-2005, 12:05 PM	#17
Brad Gosse Confirmed User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Carpal Tunnel Posts: 2,616	Have you tried manually setting the AF point? Sometimes the af point used is not the one you want. I manually set mine to the middle and use that point for focusing. I have the 20D and my pics focus much better. I have an EF S series lens __________________ Free Clipart

12-02-2005, 12:27 PM	#18
Shooting_Maniac1 Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 417	Nikon for years and years have been a superior product. You get what you pay for and here is just more proof that I will continue to only use Nikon. BTW, why the hell would you use anything but Nikon glass? Seems unthinkable for someone to use a knockoff like Tokina when spending that kinda of money on a Nikon body.

12-02-2005, 12:34 PM	#19
TreasureBucks Confirmed User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,971	20D..... and the Canon rebel, are both giving us "error 99" Apparently, its cuased from the lens and the body's connections, having grease or dirt on them.... remedy.... a rubber eraser to clean off the connections. Works most of them time. and I had to send the rebel in once becuase the shutter locked up. We use them alot, so maybe its just normal wear and tear, but weve had alot of problems with them. __________________ TREASUREBUCKS.COM

12-02-2005, 12:34 PM	#20
Tim AffiliateManager for Hire Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: UK Posts: 19,209	That is bizarre. I have yet to master my 20D __________________ 🍑🍆 Sex Vitamins 🍑 𓂸 This sig for sale!

12-02-2005, 02:40 PM	#21
onlytease Confirmed User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,553	The Canon 20D rocks, a great camera. Have you tried cleaning the lens contacts? Also as someone else suggested, maybe use just one AF point rather than all 9? __________________ Paul L - OnlyTease / Only-Opaques / Only-Secretaries / OnlySilkandSatin / Art-Lingerie / Layered-Nylons Sponsor program at www.otcash.com

12-02-2005, 04:02 PM	#22
latinasojourn Confirmed User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 3,191	might be DOF issue, f/stop same on both camera bodies? is focal length magnifier the same for both bodies, if it is not but cameras are in same position on tripod this will change DOF even if f/stop is the same. are both lenses screwed in to the bayonet stops? was a dump truck driving by exactly at the time of canon exposure? was shutter speed the same? is flash sync speed the same. iso set the same? many variables could cause this. try same test using same f/stop, same shutter speed on manual, same metering scheme, manual focus, and check results.

12-04-2005, 02:27 AM	#24
AaronM Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: ┌∩┐ ◣_◢ ┌∩┐ Posts: 46,909	I'm not gonna read this thread so this may have already been said. (I'm a poet) Upgrade the bios. When I did that ALL the little quirks went away.

12-04-2005, 02:54 AM	#28
AlienQ - BANNED FOR LIFE best designer on GFY Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: IALIEN.COM - High Definition Video and Photographic Productions -ICQ 78943384 Posts: 30,307	There are some good hacks for Canons firmware __________________ NAKED HOSTING FTW!11 I'm On The INSANE PLAN $9.95/mo! \| The Alien Blog Adult News Worth Reading Updated Daily \| Content For Sale! 641 PICS 216 MINUTES OF VIDEO $350.00 \|ICQ: 78943384 \| Last edited by AlienQ - BANNED FOR LIFE; 12-04-2005 at 02:56 AM..

12-04-2005, 03:17 AM	#30
Paul Markham Too old to care Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: On the sofa, watching TV or doing my jigsaws. Posts: 52,943	Lot og negative reviews hwere. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read...pinion =28135 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read...pinion =28117 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read...pinion =28038 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read...pinion =27151 But most seem very happy so maybe I'm doing something wrong. __________________ Blowout deal. 880 videos, 2,400 image sets, plus many RAW videos. $500. PM me for a deal. Skype Paulmarkham70

12-04-2005, 03:39 AM	#31
Keev Confirmed User Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 5,335	the err 99 is one either a connection with the memory card or the lens contacts ors osmething with the lens not talking to the camera of some sorts... Thats been my run in when i tired using a non canon lens...

12-04-2005, 05:11 AM	#32
Nydahl Confirmed User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: closer then it appears Posts: 6,655	how about metering modes ? Tried diferent sut ups ? Anyway have read the threads on dpreview you linked to and it looks like this might be a weekness of this cam - you are not the only 1. Buy some pro cam like D1 - its giving a great results and you can see the difference just looking at pic. __________________ www.garciniatrio.com www.acaitrio.com www.greencoffeetrio.com ICQ 153918034 email [email protected]

12-04-2005, 06:32 AM	#33
Grapesoda So Fucking Banned Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Montana Posts: 46,238	here ya go: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1019

12-04-2005, 06:37 AM	#34
rowan Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 17,393	Canon recommends an unsharp mask of 0.3/300%/0 before you start post processing. If you're shooting in JPEG then try fiddling with the sharpness settings on the camera. I believe the Canon has a more aggressive moire/IR filter which does lose some sharpness. It may also help if you actually tell us which Canon lens you're using... you seem to keep avoiding the question. Finally, taking a test shot of a small object isn't really indicative of real world shots, unless you want to fill the screen with a model's nose.

12-08-2005, 05:00 AM	#36
Paul Markham Too old to care Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: On the sofa, watching TV or doing my jigsaws. Posts: 52,943	To keep you updated on this. Eva phoned Canon CZ, they immediately knew the problem and told her to bring the camera in. She has done that and it's gone to Prague to be fixed. Seems we're not the only ones. As for getting a D1 or even D10, would do if more decent magazines took digital, but most want slides so we stick to that. The Nikon D100 is good enough for the Net. __________________ Blowout deal. 880 videos, 2,400 image sets, plus many RAW videos. $500. PM me for a deal. Skype Paulmarkham70

12-08-2005, 06:24 AM	#37
Tricksy Confirmed User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: USA Posts: 2,601	I'm using Canon 20D for a year now, the only problem I have with it is that IT DOESN'T WORK ON ELEVATION 4550m :-) I got an Error 99 and only when I got down to 2000m it started working again. __________________ Real-Bucks.com - Real Bucks for Real Webmasters.