Does your camera do this?

[sarasphotos]

I am VERY new to photography with a DSLR. All these different modes and all is overwhelming but i'm learning! So get ready for ALOT of questions from me!!!

Well here is my first question: When looking through the viewfinder when taking a picture, when the camera autofocuses I can see the image "move", and after taking the pic it is like it goes back into place. I don't really know how to explain it....is this normal? I don't remember it doing it before but like I said I am very new to DSLR and maybe just didn't notice it before? this is probably a dumb question...lol I just want to make sure it is not a technical issue, especially before I take wedding pics next month!!

[Greg McCary]

Maybe you are seeing the mirror move out of the way for the shutter to fire? When you are using a DSLR you are looking through the finder and reflecting off of a mirror so you can see through the lens. When you fire the shutter the mirror has to move out of the way for the cameras sensor to capture the picture.

[EOSThree]

My guess is you are using an IS or VR lens of some sort, and the "jump" you see is the IS kicking in and out. This would be a lot easier if I knew what body you were referring to.

[CaraRose]

I believe there are a few DSLR's out there with electronic viewfinders that also could exhibit this behavior (I recall reading a review of one where this was a complaint). I tend to lean towards image stabilization causing it though, as EOSThree suggested. One way to find out would be to turn off the image stabilization and see if it goes away.

[sarasphotos]

Thanks for the info! and i'm using a nikon d3000 with a 55-200mm VR lens

[Frog]

With lenses that focus in and out, you'll see slight maginification or widening of image as the lens focuses.

[freygr]

Is the problem happening in low light or when you trying to take a photo of flying birds? As there are conditions were manual focus is better than the any ones auto-focus.

A few of the problem shoots for auto-focus,
1) Birds in tree with branches in the way.
2) Flying birds against a clear blue sky.
3) Micro-photography (all cases)
4) low light photography

[sanamiles]

first good luck for you, hope that your wedding will be happy. I think this is normal issue when you take a pics. I want to know which kind of cameras did you use?

[Franglais]

My guess is you are using an IS or VR lens of some sort, and the "jump" you see is the IS kicking in and out. This would be a lot easier if I knew what body you were referring to.

She's shooting with a VR lens. My vote goes for the VR coming in. It's more noticable with some lenses than with others.