Greetings!

As a beginner with a Rebel 2000, I have experienced a problem with the auto flash strobing and auto focus unable to lock in when taking photos in low light(i.e. caverns, campfires). The problem occurs when using the auto settings, including the night icon. Of course this does not happen when the camera is set to a manual icon, but then the question is turned to using the correct settings for candid low light shots.

Any info or ideas are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

-- Christina Cerruti (cclc003@aol.com), September 16, 1999

Answers

I've got to admit that I don't own or use a Rebel 2000, although I do have an Elan II. My guess would be that these "strobes" are red-eye reduction flashes. I'm not sure about the auto-focus problem. The auto-focus needs a subject with contrast to determine if the focus is correct or not. A window frame is easy to focus on, a clear blue sky is not.

-- Geoff Doane (geoff_doane@cbc.ca), September 20, 1999.

Are you talking about the actual flash or the focus assist light? Since you mention a problem focusing, it's probably the latter. Try setting a specific focus point (eg the center one) and make sure that box covers an area of high contrast during focusing. Overall it should achieve focus better that way.

-- Ben Jackson (ben@ben.com), September 29, 1999.

Basically, with the flash up, you're going to get the focus assist light whenever you're in a relatively dark place. You can't really do much about this - unless you buy a body with an infrared focus assist light. I'm not sure if the newer Rebel 2000 body's autofocus sensors can detect near infrared (IIRC they are CMOS and not typical binning CCD). However, if they can, it may be trivial to create a near-infrared flashlight using a maglight or whatever and illuminate your subject.

However, you're basically running into the limit of autofocus assist on the rebel 2000. It may just be time to manual focus, or grab your point and shoot camera.

You could also use a 50/1.4 USM lens, if you're stuck using a relatively slow f/3.5 max aperture lens. No guarantees on this, but you may have better results.

-edward

-- edward kang (ekang@cse.nd.edu), September 30, 1999.