Forums
New posts
Search forums
What's new
New posts
New media
New media comments
New profile posts
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Members
Current visitors
New profile posts
Search profile posts
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
New posts
Search forums
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Forums
Learning
Post Processing
Advice Wanted to make sharper better quality photos/prints
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Horoscope Fish" data-source="post: 644680" data-attributes="member: 13090"><p>Without seeing some example shots that you're not happy with, we'd be guessing as to possible solutions so posting a few would be helpful in troubleshooting the issue. </p><p></p><p>One of the most important factors in getting consistently sharp photos is the relationship between the shutter speed and the focal length. On a DX body I like to keep the shutter speed at twice the focal length. For instance, if shooting at 100mm that would mean keeping the shutter speed at, or above, 1/200th of a second. On a full-frame body I like to keep the shutter speed slightly above the focal length at a bare minimum and one-and-a-half times the focal length is even better. This assumes the subject is perfectly still; if there is motion of the subject involved even higher shutter speeds will be required to get crisp "stop action" shots. Of course a little motion blur can be a wonderful thing so it depends on the type of shot you're looking for, but it doesn't sound like this is your issue.</p><p></p><p>Another factor is knowing when to use Vibration Reduction/Optical Stabilization/et al. and when NOT to use it. VR is not a "set it, and forget it" sort of thing; it's a specific tool to be used when needed and only when needed. Used improperly VR can cause as many problems as it solves.</p><p></p><p>Front/Back Focus can rob your images of some degree of sharpness. It can be a pain in the butt to take the time to check lenses for front/back focus issues but I do it and I think it's a worthwhile investment of my time. I shelled out some serious money for some of my glass so I want to be confident I'm getting everything I can out of my lenses.</p><p></p><p>If you primarily shoot in JPG, and really even if you don't, you should adjust the "Sharpness" setting in the Picture Control menus. I adjusted that setting even though I very, very rarely shoot in JPG just because it is a "set it and forget" sort of thing. </p><p></p><p>You might want to try using Quiet Shutter mode, if your camera body supports it.</p><p></p><p>When it comes to post-processing I'll just say there is no Sharpening tool that will let you sharpen your way out of what is an inherently soft image/blurry shot. Sharpening in post' is a final step that gives an already good shot the last little bit of polish it needs to make it pop. Trying to polish a turd, on the other hand, is an exercise in frustration.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Horoscope Fish, post: 644680, member: 13090"] Without seeing some example shots that you're not happy with, we'd be guessing as to possible solutions so posting a few would be helpful in troubleshooting the issue. One of the most important factors in getting consistently sharp photos is the relationship between the shutter speed and the focal length. On a DX body I like to keep the shutter speed at twice the focal length. For instance, if shooting at 100mm that would mean keeping the shutter speed at, or above, 1/200th of a second. On a full-frame body I like to keep the shutter speed slightly above the focal length at a bare minimum and one-and-a-half times the focal length is even better. This assumes the subject is perfectly still; if there is motion of the subject involved even higher shutter speeds will be required to get crisp "stop action" shots. Of course a little motion blur can be a wonderful thing so it depends on the type of shot you're looking for, but it doesn't sound like this is your issue. Another factor is knowing when to use Vibration Reduction/Optical Stabilization/et al. and when NOT to use it. VR is not a "set it, and forget it" sort of thing; it's a specific tool to be used when needed and only when needed. Used improperly VR can cause as many problems as it solves. Front/Back Focus can rob your images of some degree of sharpness. It can be a pain in the butt to take the time to check lenses for front/back focus issues but I do it and I think it's a worthwhile investment of my time. I shelled out some serious money for some of my glass so I want to be confident I'm getting everything I can out of my lenses. If you primarily shoot in JPG, and really even if you don't, you should adjust the "Sharpness" setting in the Picture Control menus. I adjusted that setting even though I very, very rarely shoot in JPG just because it is a "set it and forget" sort of thing. You might want to try using Quiet Shutter mode, if your camera body supports it. When it comes to post-processing I'll just say there is no Sharpening tool that will let you sharpen your way out of what is an inherently soft image/blurry shot. Sharpening in post' is a final step that gives an already good shot the last little bit of polish it needs to make it pop. Trying to polish a turd, on the other hand, is an exercise in frustration. [/QUOTE]
Verification
Post reply
Forums
Learning
Post Processing
Advice Wanted to make sharper better quality photos/prints
Top
