I am not getting crisp and sharp images

Watsmyname

New member
Hello, I m having a nightmare with my nikon d5100. I m not much happy with the results i got from the camera no matter of how many times I try. Following are the exif details
DSC_0044.JPG

  1. Exposure Time = 1/160"
  2. F Number = F5.6
  3. Exposure Program = Aperture priority
  4. ISO Speed Ratings = 800
  5. Exposure Bias Value = +0.33EV
  6. Max Aperture Value = F5.66
  7. Metering Mode = CenterWeightedAverage
  8. Light Source = unknown
  9. Flash = Off
  10. Focal Length = 55mm
  11. Lens = AF-S 18mm-55mm VR kit lens
Another image
DSC_0071.JPG

  1. Exposure Time = 1/125"
  2. F Number = F5.6
  3. Exposure Program = Manual
  4. ISO Speed Ratings = 100
  5. Exposure Bias Value = +0.33EV
  6. Max Aperture Value = F5.66
  7. Metering Mode = CenterWeightedAverage
  8. Light Source = Fine Weather
  9. Flash = Off
  10. Focal Length = 55mm
  11. Lens = AF-S 18mm-55mm VR kit lens
Any sort of guidance is appreciated Thanks Sabin
 
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Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Are you shooting JPG? If so, go into your menus and go into the Shooting Menu (Camera Icon). From there go to "Set Picture Control". Click right into the sub-menu. Choose whatever setting you use (Normal, Landscape, etc.) and click right again. Drop down to the "Sharpness" setting and set it to +7. Be sure to press "OK" to save the adjustment. If you shoot using the "Landscape" or "Vivid" settings in the Picture Control menu, you'll need to adjust the Sharpness setting there too. I'd suggest you adjust them all at the same time, just to cover all your bases.

This one adjustment should make a big difference in the sharpness of your shots.

....
 
Are you shooting in JPEG or NEF?
Are you doing any post processing?

If you are shooting in JPEG make sure you are shooting in Fine/Large
Also if JPEG you need to adjust the sharpening in the camera. Making Adjustments with Picture Controls on a Nikon DSLR - For Dummies

This is the biggest problem that most people have when starting out shooting. This is covered in your manual also.
Next possible problem is that depending on what lens you are using you may be a little close.
 

Watsmyname

New member
Thanks guys, Initially I was shooting in JPG/ FINE and large. Out of my disappointment I tried with RAW type (.nef) image, with this too the result was more or less similar. And as i have posted in original post, I m using AF-S 18mm-55mm VR kit lens. And I m not doing any post processing
 
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Mike D90

Senior Member
Thanks guys, Initially I was shooting in JPG/ FINE and large. Out of my disappointment I tried with RAW type (.nef) image, with this too the result was more or less similar. And as i have posted in original post, I m using AF-S 18mm-55mm VR kit lens. And I m not doing any post processing

If you shoot NEF (RAW) it will absolutely require at least some post processing. In-Camera settings do not affect RAW files, only JPEG.

You did not specify exactly what type of photos you were taking. Do you have some examples?

You said you are using a VR lens, correct? Are you using the VR mode On or Off? If you have it "On" turn it "Off". You only need VR on that lens if you are shooting handheld in low light conditions and slow shutter speed.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Thanks guys, Initially I was shooting in JPG/ FINE and large. Out of my disappointment I tried with RAW type (.nef) image, with this too the result was more or less similar. And as i have posted in original post, I m using AF-S 18mm-55mm VR kit lens. And I m not doing any post processing

Make the adjustment to the Sharpness setting, shoot some JPG's (Large), and see what you think.

As Mike D90 points out, turn off the VR option if you have it enabled.

...
 

Dave_W

The Dude
Maybe it's just my eyes but it appears that the leaf behind the flower is in tight focus while the flower is less so. Perhaps it would be a good idea your lens to see if it's back focusing a bit. If so, you can send the camera and lens to Nikon and they'll properly tune it.

This is perhaps the easiest procedure for determining if your camera/lens combo is back or front focusing.

Jeffrey Friedl's Blog » Jeffrey?s Autofocus Test Chart
 

Mike D90

Senior Member
Maybe it's just my eyes but it appears that the leaf behind the flower is in tight focus while the flower is less so. Perhaps it would be a good idea your lens to see if it's back focusing a bit. If so, you can send the camera and lens to Nikon and they'll properly tune it.

This is perhaps the easiest procedure for determining if your camera/lens combo is back or front focusing.

Jeffrey Friedl's Blog » Jeffrey?s Autofocus Test Chart
@Dave_W What image are you looking at? I don't see one.
 

Mike D90

Senior Member
I cannot really see anything wrong with them. The first one was underexposed a bit. I do see some depth of field fuzziness but not at the focal point.

It is possible this particular lens may not be its best at that aperture. Try another F/stop setting and make sure you are not too close to the subject.

Also, just to check, back the focal length up a bit to maybe 40mm and shoot another set as well and see if there is any difference. Some lenses do not like being at max zoom.


I did a levels adjust and sharpening to these is all.


DSC_0071.JPG

DSC_0044.JPG
 
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DraganDL

Senior Member
They are NOT out of focus - it is more the problem of a lighting, I'd say (especially dsc_0071, in the initial post, whose greater part is under exposed, due to a severe back light/contra-light) and the AF's mode (if you want to get the specific point/area within an object "in-focus", not just ANY point/area).
 
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Mattyinhull

Senior Member
Hi, I agree with DraganDL they dont look out of focus to me neither, if your trying to get the whole flower in focus you could increase your aperture, move back slightly and keep testing until you get the result you want?
They appear to be leaning towards you? If so they wont be on the same focus plane...
 
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