Photocraig

Hey Gil,
I've been getting older for a log time. But I've been skipping the obvious right out of the box!

Before you do the re-set and have to re do all your Custom functions etc., I 'd guess that exposure compensation is the culprit. Do eh Scene Mode check and then go to the menu item for compensation. Isn't it on the touch screen??? That's convenient but WAY too easy to inadvertently engage. I've got a 77D and I've started to keep my screen folded inside while shooting sometimes. These fat old fingers get the touch screen doing stuff I didn't want it to do.

User ID

`

There's a test you didn't try.

Since you are considering
parting with the camera, the
inconvenience of a full reset
shouldn't matter. FR is total.

If the problem persists, then
some repair is needed. If no
repair is needed, any user
error that you have failed to
uncover will be nulled out as
EVERYTHING returns to OEM
as-built default settings.

.

GilFrey1

Thanks again to all. Used the camera ,this afternoon!

GilFrey1

hj Loc: Florida

I'm guessing your sweet wife or significant other changed the exposure compensation so you would treat yourself to a new 80D or 90D. Be sure to give thanks on Valentines Day.

TonyF Loc: Bradenton, FL

GilFrey1

Could be a bit more subtle! 22 year old grandson got the 50D when he went off to college 4 years ago. Noticed he was drooling over the 70D last time he was back east.... just saying ....

I better watch my glass! Now that could get real expensive!

Again, thanks to all who got me back on the right track..

GilFrey1

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

You did not mention the type of metering mode in use. You did not mention how you metered the subject. No samples to look at. Seems to me there is not enough information to make a judgment on what went wrong.

Assuming that the camera has a faulty meter it is very easy to know if that is the problem. On a sunny day set the camera to the manual mode, ISO 100 or 200, aperture of the lens in use to f16 and the shutter speed should be the equivalent of the IS0 set in camera, let's say 1/100 for ISO 100 or 1/200 for ISO 200. Use a gray card in the sunlight, avoid glare from the card, avoid casting a shadow on it. Meter from the card (ideally center weighted or spot metering) and the meter reading should be at the most 1/3 stop up or down from a normal exposure. If the meter is off more than that then the meter is not working like it should and repairs are needed.

I am going to assume that you are familiar with the basics of exposure. Exposure meter read gray subjects so bright or dark subjects will require exposure compensation. Many times a perfectly fine exposure meter gets confused and the reading will not be the right one. It is up to the photographer to make the necessary correction for a good exposure.

I do not really know what the problem is because I do not have enough information but begin by testing the meter of your camera as the first step in this whole process. If it is accurate then you did not make the necessary adjustments to expose the subject. If not accurate enough then repairs are needed.

hj Loc: Florida

If you read the whole thread you will see the problem was solved ten hours before your post. His exposure compensation was completely to the left.

TV714

Gil, I had a similar problem with my 7DMkII shortly after I got it. I was previewing my photos by turning the wheel on the back to scroll through my recent photos. I was holding the camera with my finger resting on the shutter button. Apparently I put enough pressure on the button to activate shooting mode and as I turned the dial, I was inadvertently changing the Exposure Compensation. The next few photos I took were greatly over exposed. I thought my new camera had a serious problem. Then I noticed the EC window and discovered the indicator was way off center. After correcting the EC, everything was fine. That may have been how you changed your EC.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I have to get in the habit of checking where my settings are. It’s amazing how dials can get moved "when I don’t even touch them". 😜😜

SyracuseOrange Loc: Manlius,NY

I suggest that you download the manual from the manufacturer's website and save it as a pdf file on your ipad or iphone. Easy to refer to it there.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

EC at -3 and not 0?

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

When shooting it's wise to always check the first few images on the back of the camera. I'm sure the 70D has an LCD. Use it to determine if the images are too light or too dark. Correct the problem before you shoot all day. P mode isn't the best mode for taking pictures. You should learn Av mode. Aperture priority is one of the best modes to use if not THE best. Always look at the exposure meter. You can always see it as you look through the viewfinder just before you take the picture.

If your camera isn't working correctly, try doing a complete reset of the camera. It's in the manual on how to do that, or just google it. You may have a setting that is causing your images to be dark. Make sure you don't have the EC (Exposure Compensation) at -3. If you do, your images will be 3 stops dark.

Edit: I just re-read some of the things others have said and see that you found the problem. So, again, always check the LCD to see if your pictures are acceptable. It's a valuable tool.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

How did the pictures look on the chart in the back of the camera? Did you check them as you shoot?

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

You were shooting for an entire day and you didn't once take a look at any of the images on your LCD?