Not real happy yet with the new 5D.

[scottcolbath]

I'll start off by saying I'm pretty sure there is user error involved with the issues below.

I have the basic settings on the camera set up like on my 7D, yet the 5D still seems to overexpose images by a stop or two.

Also, the images do not appear as sharp as I would expect. For example, yesterday I was working with a young lady who is trying to become a model. I had the camera on a tripod and used my remote. The camera would focus on her just fine, but the finished shots when reviewed on my PC were nowhere near tack sharp.

I'm sure most of this can be chalked up to inexperience with the new camera, but I had no problems at all hitting the ground running with my 7D. Also, I have never shot a person before. It's pretty much always cars, motorcycles, aircraft, etc. I'd assume there are some things which I should know about shooting people, but don't.

Ideas? Suggestions?

S.C.

[Lynn Evans]

Do you have the 5D or 5D MK II?  The focus system is the same I believe. Are you using center focus point only? The outer points do not compare the 7D. Are you using one shot or servo?
As to exposure I am not sure what is causing the difference. Did you accidentally  dial in some EC?  Are you using flash?

[scottcolbath]

Do you have the 5D or 5D MK II?  The focus system is the same I believe. Are you using center focus point only? The outer points do not compare the 7D. Are you using one shot or servo?
As to exposure I am not sure what is causing the difference. Did you accidentally  dial in some EC?  Are you using flash?

It's a MkII. I have played with both a single focus point and using them all, and also tried a couple different exposure options, but primarily evaluative. I was shooting one shot most of the time yesterday.

I purposely dialed back some EC to make up for the overexposure. I did this also a couple weeks back at a rodeo. It worked, but I don't know why I have to be doing this at all. No flash, BTW.

S.C.

[Lynn Evans]

Don't know if you are familiar with POTN, it is a website for Canon shooters. You may need to microadjust the focus for your lens and body. I didn't find any info on overexposure on the MK II. Did you check exposure comp setting? Try shooting other than manual setting, or even on auto to check exposure in good light.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=9

[Jay Beckman]

I'd stick with using only the center focus point and make sure I'm zeroed in on the nearest eye of your subject.

I'd also spot meter the subject's face since that's the element of the image you really want to get right.  This is where working with a hand-held light meter is such a joy because you're reading incident light and not reflected.

If you want a specific shutter speed or f/stop, an incident meter will tell you when you're there without being "fooled" by the subject or the surrounding background.

As for sharpness, I know the old 5D Classic often needed more aggressive sharpening in post so perhaps you need to turn yours up to 11...

[jslugman]

I was thinking micro-adjustment as well as a possibility. Studio work is always done in manual mode for me so I can't give you any advice on metering, but I'm with Jay on using the center point and going for the eyes. If the eye is out of focus its a tosser.

[scottcolbath]

Thanks guys. I'll digest all of this and make some changes.

S.C.