717 First Impressions

Richard Mullins · Oct 17, 2002

I've had my 717 for about 2 weeks now and and generally very happy with it. I have not had any real focus problems, obviously one or two have been out, but no more than I would expect with my Canon 35mm SLR.

The main problem I have is with printing, and I can't understand what is going on. My pics look fantastic on my monitor, but the prints look flat and uninteresting. Some have a blue milky haze on them, almost as if they were taken through smoke. I can't seem to edit out this effect with software. I thought my old printer had finally given up and bought a new one, but the new one shows exactly the same problem.

I also thought it might be white balance, as I generally shoot in auto, but indoor flash shots are probably the worst.

I had a G2 before, and when I managed to get a shot in focus, the prints were superb.

The colour match between my monitor and printer has never been perfect, but it does not account for the huge differences I am experiencing.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

pdqgp · Oct 17, 2002

my guess is that the images from the camera are fine and look okay on your screen. the problem is probably the calibration between your monitor and the printer.

long story short as it's not difficult nor a breeze, but work with Qimage Pro for printing and experiment with the various ICC's available for your printer and paper.

I'm 100% sure that it's a printer/software/paper issue. Send me a picture...full size if you wish and I'll try it out.

I usually adjust my images in PS 6 as part of my workflow, but nothing to the extreme you're having.

I can email you a good one of mine too.

tim

ristopix said:
I've had my 717 for about 2 weeks now and and generally very happy
with it. I have not had any real focus problems, obviously one or
two have been out, but no more than I would expect with my Canon
35mm SLR.

The main problem I have is with printing, and I can't understand
what is going on. My pics look fantastic on my monitor, but the
prints look flat and uninteresting. Some have a blue milky haze on
them, almost as if they were taken through smoke. I can't seem to
edit out this effect with software. I thought my old printer had
finally given up and bought a new one, but the new one shows
exactly the same problem.

I also thought it might be white balance, as I generally shoot in
auto, but indoor flash shots are probably the worst.

I had a G2 before, and when I managed to get a shot in focus, the
prints were superb.

The colour match between my monitor and printer has never been
perfect, but it does not account for the huge differences I am
experiencing.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

TurboTed · Oct 17, 2002

What printer are you using and what software are you printing with?

ristopix said:
I've had my 717 for about 2 weeks now and and generally very happy
with it. I have not had any real focus problems, obviously one or
two have been out, but no more than I would expect with my Canon
35mm SLR.

The main problem I have is with printing, and I can't understand
what is going on. My pics look fantastic on my monitor, but the
prints look flat and uninteresting. Some have a blue milky haze on
them, almost as if they were taken through smoke. I can't seem to
edit out this effect with software. I thought my old printer had
finally given up and bought a new one, but the new one shows
exactly the same problem.

I also thought it might be white balance, as I generally shoot in
auto, but indoor flash shots are probably the worst.

I had a G2 before, and when I managed to get a shot in focus, the
prints were superb.

The colour match between my monitor and printer has never been
perfect, but it does not account for the huge differences I am
experiencing.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

--
TurboTed

(It's easier just being insane than acting insane)

Richard Mullins · Oct 17, 2002

TurboTed said:
ristopix said:

I've had my 717 for about 2 weeks now and and generally very happy
with it. I have not had any real focus problems, obviously one or
two have been out, but no more than I would expect with my Canon
35mm SLR.

The main problem I have is with printing, and I can't understand
what is going on. My pics look fantastic on my monitor, but the
prints look flat and uninteresting. Some have a blue milky haze on
them, almost as if they were taken through smoke. I can't seem to
edit out this effect with software. I thought my old printer had
finally given up and bought a new one, but the new one shows
exactly the same problem.

I also thought it might be white balance, as I generally shoot in
auto, but indoor flash shots are probably the worst.

I had a G2 before, and when I managed to get a shot in focus, the
prints were superb.

The colour match between my monitor and printer has never been
perfect, but it does not account for the huge differences I am
experiencing.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

--
TurboTed

(It's easier just being insane than acting insane)

Had an Epson 880 before and now have an Epson830. Software - Have used PhotoshopLE, MGI Photosuite and Paintshop pro. - all show the same problem.

TurboTed · Oct 17, 2002

ristopix said:
TurboTed said:

ristopix said:

I've had my 717 for about 2 weeks now and and generally very happy
with it. I have not had any real focus problems, obviously one or
two have been out, but no more than I would expect with my Canon
35mm SLR.

The main problem I have is with printing, and I can't understand
what is going on. My pics look fantastic on my monitor, but the
prints look flat and uninteresting. Some have a blue milky haze on
them, almost as if they were taken through smoke. I can't seem to
edit out this effect with software. I thought my old printer had
finally given up and bought a new one, but the new one shows
exactly the same problem.

I also thought it might be white balance, as I generally shoot in
auto, but indoor flash shots are probably the worst.

I had a G2 before, and when I managed to get a shot in focus, the
prints were superb.

The colour match between my monitor and printer has never been
perfect, but it does not account for the huge differences I am
experiencing.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

--
TurboTed

(It's easier just being insane than acting insane)

Click to expand...

Had an Epson 880 before and now have an Epson830. Software - Have
used PhotoshopLE, MGI Photosuite and Paintshop pro. - all show the
same problem.

Are these one of the Epson photo models? I'm only familiar with the U.S. models. Are you using Epson photo paper? Did your printer come with Epson Print Factory? You should be able to take a picture straight from the camera, put it into Print Factory and get a very decent image from the printer.

--
TurboTed

(It's easier just being insane than acting insane)

Richard Mullins · Oct 17, 2002

TurboTed said:
ristopix said:

TurboTed said:

ristopix said:

I've had my 717 for about 2 weeks now and and generally very happy
with it. I have not had any real focus problems, obviously one or
two have been out, but no more than I would expect with my Canon
35mm SLR.

The main problem I have is with printing, and I can't understand
what is going on. My pics look fantastic on my monitor, but the
prints look flat and uninteresting. Some have a blue milky haze on
them, almost as if they were taken through smoke. I can't seem to
edit out this effect with software. I thought my old printer had
finally given up and bought a new one, but the new one shows
exactly the same problem.

I also thought it might be white balance, as I generally shoot in
auto, but indoor flash shots are probably the worst.

I had a G2 before, and when I managed to get a shot in focus, the
prints were superb.

The colour match between my monitor and printer has never been
perfect, but it does not account for the huge differences I am
experiencing.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

--
TurboTed

(It's easier just being insane than acting insane)

Click to expand...

Had an Epson 880 before and now have an Epson830. Software - Have
used PhotoshopLE, MGI Photosuite and Paintshop pro. - all show the
same problem.

Click to expand...

Are these one of the Epson photo models? I'm only familiar with
the U.S. models. Are you using Epson photo paper? Did your
printer come with Epson Print Factory? You should be able to take
a picture straight from the camera, put it into Print Factory and
get a very decent image from the printer.

--
TurboTed

(It's easier just being insane than acting insane)

Yes they are both photo models bought from a reputable dealer
in the UK, and yes, I have tried the Epson paper supplied with the
printer as well as other makes. I don't know what Epson Print Factory
is, the supplied software is called PhotoQuicker and is a fast way of printing
multiple images on the same sheet. It doesn't help with the problem however.

Ristopix

TurboTed · Oct 17, 2002

ristopix said:
TurboTed said:

ristopix said:

TurboTed said:

ristopix said:

I've had my 717 for about 2 weeks now and and generally very happy
with it. I have not had any real focus problems, obviously one or
two have been out, but no more than I would expect with my Canon
35mm SLR.

The main problem I have is with printing, and I can't understand
what is going on. My pics look fantastic on my monitor, but the
prints look flat and uninteresting. Some have a blue milky haze on
them, almost as if they were taken through smoke. I can't seem to
edit out this effect with software. I thought my old printer had
finally given up and bought a new one, but the new one shows
exactly the same problem.

I also thought it might be white balance, as I generally shoot in
auto, but indoor flash shots are probably the worst.

I had a G2 before, and when I managed to get a shot in focus, the
prints were superb.

The colour match between my monitor and printer has never been
perfect, but it does not account for the huge differences I am
experiencing.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

--
TurboTed

(It's easier just being insane than acting insane)

Click to expand...

Had an Epson 880 before and now have an Epson830. Software - Have
used PhotoshopLE, MGI Photosuite and Paintshop pro. - all show the
same problem.

Click to expand...

Are these one of the Epson photo models? I'm only familiar with
the U.S. models. Are you using Epson photo paper? Did your
printer come with Epson Print Factory? You should be able to take
a picture straight from the camera, put it into Print Factory and
get a very decent image from the printer.

--
TurboTed

(It's easier just being insane than acting insane)

Click to expand...

Yes they are both photo models bought from a reputable dealer
in the UK, and yes, I have tried the Epson paper supplied with the
printer as well as other makes. I don't know what Epson Print Factory
is, the supplied software is called PhotoQuicker and is a fast way
of printing
multiple images on the same sheet. It doesn't help with the problem
however.

I don't know what else to tell you. Did you post this question in the Printers Forum on this site??

Richard Mullins said:
Ristopix

--
TurboTed

(It's easier just being insane than acting insane)

James_Vic · Oct 17, 2002

You could try taking your picture to a formal printing house, and see what results they get from their equipment.

If the results are similar, perhaps you do have a problem. If you are finding the print house is better than yours, then it will be a result of your computer-printer setup.

Just an idea.

James.

ristopix said:
I've had my 717 for about 2 weeks now and and generally very happy
with it. I have not had any real focus problems, obviously one or
two have been out, but no more than I would expect with my Canon
35mm SLR.

The main problem I have is with printing, and I can't understand
what is going on. My pics look fantastic on my monitor, but the
prints look flat and uninteresting. Some have a blue milky haze on
them, almost as if they were taken through smoke. I can't seem to
edit out this effect with software. I thought my old printer had
finally given up and bought a new one, but the new one shows
exactly the same problem.

I also thought it might be white balance, as I generally shoot in
auto, but indoor flash shots are probably the worst.

I had a G2 before, and when I managed to get a shot in focus, the
prints were superb.

The colour match between my monitor and printer has never been
perfect, but it does not account for the huge differences I am
experiencing.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hal Fisher · Oct 17, 2002

Have you noticed a huge difference in the slr auto focus system (phase detection) and the contrast detection on the 717? Does the phase detection always work even at a good distance? I am just curious anymore, not that I would change my 717 for a slr just for that.

Hal

ristopix said:
I've had my 717 for about 2 weeks now and and generally very happy
with it. I have not had any real focus problems, obviously one or
two have been out, but no more than I would expect with my Canon
35mm SLR.

The main problem I have is with printing, and I can't understand
what is going on. My pics look fantastic on my monitor, but the
prints look flat and uninteresting. Some have a blue milky haze on
them, almost as if they were taken through smoke. I can't seem to
edit out this effect with software. I thought my old printer had
finally given up and bought a new one, but the new one shows
exactly the same problem.

I also thought it might be white balance, as I generally shoot in
auto, but indoor flash shots are probably the worst.

I had a G2 before, and when I managed to get a shot in focus, the
prints were superb.

The colour match between my monitor and printer has never been
perfect, but it does not account for the huge differences I am
experiencing.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Richard Mullins · Oct 18, 2002

TurboTed said:
ristopix said:

TurboTed said:

ristopix said:

TurboTed said:

ristopix said:

I've had my 717 for about 2 weeks now and and generally very happy
with it. I have not had any real focus problems, obviously one or
two have been out, but no more than I would expect with my Canon
35mm SLR.

The main problem I have is with printing, and I can't understand
what is going on. My pics look fantastic on my monitor, but the
prints look flat and uninteresting. Some have a blue milky haze on
them, almost as if they were taken through smoke. I can't seem to
edit out this effect with software. I thought my old printer had
finally given up and bought a new one, but the new one shows
exactly the same problem.

I also thought it might be white balance, as I generally shoot in
auto, but indoor flash shots are probably the worst.

I had a G2 before, and when I managed to get a shot in focus, the
prints were superb.

The colour match between my monitor and printer has never been
perfect, but it does not account for the huge differences I am
experiencing.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

--
TurboTed

(It's easier just being insane than acting insane)

Click to expand...

Had an Epson 880 before and now have an Epson830. Software - Have
used PhotoshopLE, MGI Photosuite and Paintshop pro. - all show the
same problem.

Click to expand...

Are these one of the Epson photo models? I'm only familiar with
the U.S. models. Are you using Epson photo paper? Did your
printer come with Epson Print Factory? You should be able to take
a picture straight from the camera, put it into Print Factory and
get a very decent image from the printer.

--
TurboTed

(It's easier just being insane than acting insane)

Click to expand...

Yes they are both photo models bought from a reputable dealer
in the UK, and yes, I have tried the Epson paper supplied with the
printer as well as other makes. I don't know what Epson Print Factory
is, the supplied software is called PhotoQuicker and is a fast way
of printing
multiple images on the same sheet. It doesn't help with the problem
however.

Click to expand...

I don't know what else to tell you. Did you post this question in
the Printers Forum on this site??

TurboTed said:

Ristopix

Click to expand...

--
TurboTed

(It's easier just being insane than acting insane)

Thanks very much for that suggestion. I will probably try that. I think the
fact that nobody's said "I see that problem too" suggests that it is my
system at fault and nothing to do with the camera.

R

Richard Mullins · Oct 18, 2002

James_Vic1 said:
If the results are similar, perhaps you do have a problem. If you
are finding the print house is better than yours, then it will be a
result of your computer-printer setup.

Just an idea.

James.
Another good idea - thanks!

ristopix said:

I've had my 717 for about 2 weeks now and and generally very happy
with it. I have not had any real focus problems, obviously one or
two have been out, but no more than I would expect with my Canon
35mm SLR.

The main problem I have is with printing, and I can't understand
what is going on. My pics look fantastic on my monitor, but the
prints look flat and uninteresting. Some have a blue milky haze on
them, almost as if they were taken through smoke. I can't seem to
edit out this effect with software. I thought my old printer had
finally given up and bought a new one, but the new one shows
exactly the same problem.

I also thought it might be white balance, as I generally shoot in
auto, but indoor flash shots are probably the worst.

I had a G2 before, and when I managed to get a shot in focus, the
prints were superb.

The colour match between my monitor and printer has never been
perfect, but it does not account for the huge differences I am
experiencing.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

Richard Mullins · Oct 18, 2002

Hal Fisher said:
Have you noticed a huge difference in the slr auto focus system
(phase detection) and the contrast detection on the 717? Does the
phase detection always work even at a good distance? I am just
curious anymore, not that I would change my 717 for a slr just for
that.

Hal

I think the AF on the 717 is terrific, and for the type of pictures I take,

I'd say it's comparable to my SLR. I haven't really analysed it properly, but I'd say, with the SLR, I probably get 6 focus failures out of a 36 exp roll, which is about the same as I'm seeing with the 717. Having said that, a
percentage of these would be my fault (camera shake etc). I also tend
to use the SLR a lot with a 300mm lens.

The SLR still probably has an edge with focus speed, and it does have continuous
and predictive autofocus, but unless your taking pics of F1 racing cars, these
are not very useful.

R

Hal Fisher said:
ristopix said:

I've had my 717 for about 2 weeks now and and generally very happy
with it. I have not had any real focus problems, obviously one or
two have been out, but no more than I would expect with my Canon
35mm SLR.

The main problem I have is with printing, and I can't understand
what is going on. My pics look fantastic on my monitor, but the
prints look flat and uninteresting. Some have a blue milky haze on
them, almost as if they were taken through smoke. I can't seem to
edit out this effect with software. I thought my old printer had
finally given up and bought a new one, but the new one shows
exactly the same problem.

I also thought it might be white balance, as I generally shoot in
auto, but indoor flash shots are probably the worst.

I had a G2 before, and when I managed to get a shot in focus, the
prints were superb.

The colour match between my monitor and printer has never been
perfect, but it does not account for the huge differences I am
experiencing.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

Rene Smaal · Oct 18, 2002

You can have one of my images "out of the camera" (F717) to find out if the problem is in the camera, or the system (computer/printer).
If you want this, please tell me and I will upload one.

Rene

Richard Mullins · Oct 18, 2002

Rene Smaal said:
You can have one of my images "out of the camera" (F717) to find
out if the problem is in the camera, or the system
(computer/printer).
If you want this, please tell me and I will upload one.

Rene

Thanks Rene, I have a lot of suggestions to try first, before I put
anybody else to any trouble! Will let you know if I can't solve the
problem.

R.

Jay Jervey · Oct 18, 2002

Keep in mind that the F717 is not as vivid or contrasty as previous Sony models or the G2. You should try boosting the saturation and contrast before printing. Also, your printouts will never be as bright as your monitor...one reflects light and the other transmits it.

ristopix said:
I've had my 717 for about 2 weeks now and and generally very happy
with it. I have not had any real focus problems, obviously one or
two have been out, but no more than I would expect with my Canon
35mm SLR.

The main problem I have is with printing, and I can't understand
what is going on. My pics look fantastic on my monitor, but the
prints look flat and uninteresting. Some have a blue milky haze on
them, almost as if they were taken through smoke. I can't seem to
edit out this effect with software. I thought my old printer had
finally given up and bought a new one, but the new one shows
exactly the same problem.

I also thought it might be white balance, as I generally shoot in
auto, but indoor flash shots are probably the worst.

I had a G2 before, and when I managed to get a shot in focus, the
prints were superb.

The colour match between my monitor and printer has never been
perfect, but it does not account for the huge differences I am
experiencing.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

--
Jay Jervey
Former Sony DSC-S70, S85, F707
Canon S200 (ultra portable)
Sony DSC-F717

Search

717 First Impressions

Richard Mullins

Member

pdqgp

Community Leader

TurboTed

Veteran Member

Richard Mullins

Member

TurboTed

Veteran Member

Richard Mullins

Member

TurboTed

Veteran Member

James_Vic

Leading Member

Hal Fisher

Senior Member

Richard Mullins

Member

Richard Mullins

Member

Richard Mullins

Member

Rene Smaal

Member

Richard Mullins

Member

Jay Jervey

Senior Member

Keyboard shortcuts