What is the sound that I'm hearing from Canon EF 24-105mm F/4 L lens?

Question

I've a Canon 600D with Canon EF 25-105mm F/4 USM L lens. When I half press the shutter I can hear the US motor sound trying to focus on my subject, however I hear another sound, it's lower than the sound that the US motor makes when it's trying to obtain focus. And when I raise my finger of the shutter I can hear that the sound of the US motor has stopped while this other sound is still going few seconds and then it stops. I wonder what is this sound?

Asked by Akram Mellice

Answer

You're hearing the IS start to activate.

Answered by rfusca

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Why does my Canon 550D make a small sound while focusing?

Question

Ok the "noise" I am talking about here is not noise in photos, it's actual small noise/sound coming from camera.

I have been using my camera for around 6 months, but never noticed this before. May be because I have been with people/outside. Last week I was sitting alone at home, and focusing on an object when I noticed small noise from sensor. The noise comes only when I half press the shutter button to auto focus, and stops as soon as I take off my fingers from button. The noise is like a computer fan..but not that loud of course. Should I assume this to be normal?

Asked by vishal.biyani

Answer

The only sound that would come from the sensor itself would be a self-cleaning function, which only happens when you run the self cleaning, or turn the camera on/off. The sensor vibrates to shake off dust. This would not be happening when you are shooting.

When you half press, the sounds you might hear would be from the lens AF motor or image stabilisation (IS). Try putting the lens in manual focus and turn off IS if your lens has it, and see if you still hear a sound.

Answered by MikeW

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What is Quiet mode on a DSLR?

Question

I've heard that some newer DSLRs have a "Quiet" mode that reduces the noise the camera makes when you take a picture (as mentioned in answers to some questions) How does it work? Are there any potential consequences from using this mode, like a reduced shutter life?

Answer

Quiet mode slows down the motion of the mirror when it goes up and delays it going back down until the shutter-release is released.

Normally the mirror going up and down is the loudest noise the camera makes. So slowing it down causes a longer shutter-lag but makes less noise. Also, the mirror normally comes back down immediately after a shot is taken so that you can follow action and compose the next shot. In Quiet mode, the mirror stays up and your viewfinder remains black until you release the shutter at a time when noise is less disruptive.

Shutter life is not affected at all since nothing changes for the shutter. The mirror actuation mechanism should last a little longer but no data to that effect is provided by manufacturers.

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Is it normal for a Nikon lens to make noise when zooming in or out?

Question

I read a lot of reviews when buying Nikon D5100 but no where did I hear this. Check this video on youtube. When you zoom in/out you can clearly hear the lens itself. This is highly undesirable. Is it normal with any DSLR or with Nikons only? Is this a genuine flaw? Canon Guys, do you hear this zoom as well?

Answer

Noises on the camera, such as the zooming of a lens or even an IS/VR motor, are often picked up by on-camera microphones. That's the disadvantage of an on-camera microphone and isn't specific to this camera or the Nikon brand.

The solution is to use a better mic that's either mounted off-camera or is a shotgun-style mic on the hotshoe where it won't pick up camera noise.

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