Is it me, or my 450D? Focussing and image quality

JFLy wrote:

Thanks, all. You are very diplomatic and helpful!

All of what you've said is true, especially that I need to brush up on nailing DOF and exposure so I can maximise sharpness. I noticed I rarely shoot smaller than f5 or F6, and haven't until recently bumped up ISO to increase shutter speeds. And yes, I'm usually in low light; it is such a challenge.

I just found that B&H Canon AF video (linked on another post) and am about 15 minutes into it. It will do me no end of good to figure out the AF on this thing, once and for all. And that is very interesting re the 50mm 1.8. I don't use a lens hood (maybe I should) and definitely am in the market for another lens, so I welcome those suggestions.

A-Dep is something I hadn't experimented with until today. It's output was f16-f22, with "8 shutter speed. Don't remember ISO but think it maxes at 1600? Anyway, it was ugly, and not right for my two little bouncy toddlers.

For what it's worth, I will post a SOOC shot or two once I've put the kids to bed!