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xsi first impressions

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jmkwi

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I've had the xsi for a few days and here are my initial observations.
I'd like to know if these are similar to others experiences and if
there are any good links to tips for people coming up from P&S.

Been using a SD700is for years so that is where my experience lies.

From reading some recent (heated) threads I understand that the output from
the XSI will likely not be as punchy and sharp as my P&S and I see that in
my shots (somewhat disconcerting at first).

XSI: On Auto it seems to be choosing much higher ISO than I would
expect. Many times I see ISO 800 when there is quite a bit of light.
Is this leading to noisier photos? I would think that XSI would
be choosing lower ISO in the same situation as the P&S because
of this nice big CMOS sensor.

SD700: Would rarely go up to 400.

I'm assuming ISO can be compared across cameras.

XSI: Indoor flash for people shots. I'm having to set the flash
compensation down a little or faces get blown out a little.

HDR shots (I know, I should be figuring out how to take good photos with my
new DSLR but I had to try). I have loaded CHDK on my SD700 and have played
quite a bit with bracketed HDR shots. Some of them come out just amazing,
especially landscapes.
Did the same with the XSI and assumed I'd be blown away by the better
quality but wasn't. The XSI HDRs all had much more grain which I attribute to
individual exposures having more noise. Maybe because the higher ISO on auto?

Anyway, I have a lot of learning to do and looking forward to it.
 
Get off auto and at least go to P mode. This will give you control - you can select the iso, when to use flash etc The camera will still make the important decisions on exposure for you but you have the ability to make the choices on several setting which auto doesn't allow.

If you want to experiment - shoot some pics in RAW and go to DPP. Play with the sliders and see how much more punchy the results look. Again you have control and choose to get the effect you want.

Once you get used to RAW you will seldom shoot jpeg again.

Happy learning and let's see some pics soon.
--

Canon 50D, Canon 1000D, EFS 18-55mm IS, ,EF 28-70L EFS-60mm f2.8 macro, EFS 55-250mm IS., 580EX, Hensel studio lights, Fuji F30
 
I'll echo what is said above:

Compared to a P&S you now have a new Corvette. So far you haven't got out of first gear and are dissappointed with the results.

"Punch" is something you can control in post processing and that is where it should be done. (you can program your camera to make this punch and use full auto and you have a P&S)

I would highly recommend shooting Raw in M and controlling every setting pic by pic until it is second nature. Unless you are getting in low light situations you should stick with an ISO no greater than 200 and for most outdoor shooting 100 is preferred.

If you find yourself taking a lot of images requiring flash the sooner you get a dedicated flash (and better yet.. get it off the camera) the happier you will be.

I remember the first couple of shoots with my xsi in auto.... Go Raw and never look back... they will look flat and dull at first compared to a P&S JPEG.... but you are in control with your "darkroom".

Welcome to the insanity of it all..... :)

Richard

--
My Flickr Photostream Slideshow

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33755787@N03/show/

My Blog:

http://esfishdoc.blogspot.com/
 
Have you tried out the different picture styles yet? You'll find quite some difference in the colour between standard and landscape. Faithful is quite nice. Increase the saturation a little for further punch.
 
The XSi is a great camera. I've done a ton of street photography with mine and have zero complaints.

Try shooting in aperture priority mode and adjusting ISO based on the amount of available light. That will give you the most flexibility and creative control.

Brad
Urban photobolg: http://www.citysnaps.net/blog
.
.
jmkwi said:
I've had the xsi for a few days and here are my initial observations.
I'd like to know if these are similar to others experiences and if
there are any good links to tips for people coming up from P&S.

Been using a SD700is for years so that is where my experience lies.

From reading some recent (heated) threads I understand that the output from
the XSI will likely not be as punchy and sharp as my P&S and I see that in
my shots (somewhat disconcerting at first).

XSI: On Auto it seems to be choosing much higher ISO than I would
expect. Many times I see ISO 800 when there is quite a bit of light.
Is this leading to noisier photos? I would think that XSI would
be choosing lower ISO in the same situation as the P&S because
of this nice big CMOS sensor.

SD700: Would rarely go up to 400.

I'm assuming ISO can be compared across cameras.

XSI: Indoor flash for people shots. I'm having to set the flash
compensation down a little or faces get blown out a little.

HDR shots (I know, I should be figuring out how to take good photos with my
new DSLR but I had to try). I have loaded CHDK on my SD700 and have played
quite a bit with bracketed HDR shots. Some of them come out just amazing,
especially landscapes.
Did the same with the XSI and assumed I'd be blown away by the better
quality but wasn't. The XSI HDRs all had much more grain which I attribute to
individual exposures having more noise. Maybe because the higher ISO on auto?

Anyway, I have a lot of learning to do and looking forward to it.
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