Canon SX 60: I've been running my newly acquired Canon SX 60 through its paces. I've encountered 2 problems. 1. It's very difficult to focus on an object, whether still or moving at...

lindmike

I've been running my newly acquired Canon SX 60 through its paces. I've encountered 2 problems.
1. It's very difficult to focus on an object, whether still or moving at full lens extension.
2. Occasionally, I see a shadow on the bottom portion of a picture. At first I thought it was caused by the lens hood. The tech folks at Canon said that shouldn't happen and they couldn't explain it. Because it happens sporadically, I'm thinking it may be a blade on the shutter that isn't fully opening.
Feedback welcomed. Thanks.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Unless your using a tri-pod, the most common problem when shooting at full extension is camera shake. When shooting close up, it's easy to get a shadow from the lens but shooting from 20 feet or more, I can't imagine why you would be getting sporadic shadows on the bottom of your photo's. As far as the focus problem, try using "spot focus" when you shoot at a object and see what it turns out like.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Pay close attention to your grip and how you hold the camera. Treat it like a rifle and practice breathing rhythm when pressing the shutter. Also for the shadow make sure you camera strap isn't getting in the way.

Ctrclckws

Learned something about the sx60 the other day, with a cover over the hot shoe, it won't let you control the internal flash.

Agree that it's hard to focus at times.

lindmike

Ctrclckws wrote:

Learned something about the sx60 the other day, with a cover over the hot shoe, it won't let you control the internal flash.

Agree that it's hard to focus at times.

The "focus assist button" on the left side of the lens, makes it somewhat easier to focus. The shadow issue has pretty much gone away for now.
Thank you for your response.

lindmike

cjkorb wrote:

Unless your using a tri-pod, the most common problem when shooting at full extension is camera shake. When shooting close up, it's easy to get a shadow from the lens but shooting from 20 feet or more, I can't imagine why you would be getting sporadic shadows on the bottom of your photo's. As far as the focus problem, try using "spot focus" when you shoot at a object and see what it turns out like.

The "focus assist button" makes for a more steady focus. The shadow issue has pretty much gone away for now.
Thank you for your response.

lindmike

Wahawk wrote:

Pay close attention to your grip and how you hold the camera. Treat it like a rifle and practice breathing rhythm when pressing the shutter. Also for the shadow make sure you camera strap isn't getting in the way.

The "focus assist button" makes it easier to focus. Who knew. Also, shadow hasn't shown up lately.
Thank you for responding.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Ctrclckws wrote:

Learned something about the sx60 the other day, with a cover over the hot shoe, it won't let you control the internal flash.

Agree that it's hard to focus at times.

With a little careful trimming the hot shoe cover may still work. If you look closely (left side on the SX50) you will see a small spring under the lip of the hot shoe. That is to tell the camera that an external flash is attached, I have managed to do some light trimming to a cover to get it to allow the internal flash and controls to be worked with.

Ctrclckws

Wahawk wrote:

With a little careful trimming the hot shoe cover may still work. If you look closely (left side on the SX50) you will see a small spring under the lip of the hot shoe. That is to tell the camera that an external flash is attached, I have managed to do some light trimming to a cover to get it to allow the internal flash and controls to be worked with.

Thank you for the suggestion, I saw the spring, and haven't had any opportunity for careful trimming.