auto vs manual focus (1 Viewer)

I am fairly new to photography and have been using the canon 450d for just over a year now. I have never really been happy with the results apart from the odd few and have never managed one of those outstanding pin sharp shots that i see displayed so often. however tonight i might have had a bit of insight (perhaps its obvious) but would like some advice. I have always used autofocus but tonight i fired off a few shots just in my room using alternative auto and then manual focus. the majority of the time the manual was by far the better picture. is this a well know photography fact that i have missed or do i have a naff camera or wrong settings etc. as always any advice will be gratefully received

cheers

Neil

In less than spectacular lighting, I resort to manual as well. A lot less struggling with auto focus and a much better shot at a lower shutter speed.

It's quite possible that there's something wrong with either the camera or the lens. You should try doing a focus test. Here's a link to a good setup. You autofocus on the DVD box and you can see on the ruler exactly where the in-focus part of the image is. Make sure you do the test with a tripod and a high enough shutter speed.

The most likely reason is that your camera is set for spot focus, and that you are not centering your 'spot' on your subject. It might not necessarily be in the middle of the viewfinder. In my Nikon D200. It is actually just below centre. I have to 'spot focus', then with the shutter release half pressed, frame the picture, and fire.
Having said that. I also prefer manual focus for static subjects.