Very poor image quality with Powershot D10

I recently bought a Powershot D10 because I wanted a rugged camera with good image quality which was easier to carry than my dSLR.

Problem is, I'm not satisfied with the image quality I'm getting. The image quality is, I'd say, on par with that of a good cellphone camera, and considerably worse than the five years old Coolpix 4500 it was supposed to replace.

The main problems I'm having is a very poor dynamic range, and the camera metering favors dark ares so lit areas are completely blown out. Examples:









The first photo shows a lawn where part of the image is shaded and part is in the sun. The second shows some trees and a meadow on an overcast day; there is no sun, but the trees are darker but the field is somewhat brighter.

I also have a problem with noise. If left to its own devices the camera will always select 400 or higher ISO, which is unusably noisy. I've manually locked ISO to 100, but the images are still very noticeably noisy when viewed at 100%. Here's what a blue sky looks like at ISO 100:





I realize that this camera isn't supposed to compete with the image quality of dSLR's, but is this really the best it can do?

Am I expecting too much, am I "doing it wrong", or is my camera a lemon?

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All I write, no matter how silly, are my personal views, and in no way reflect those of my employer or the voices in my head. Honest.

I assume you didn't buy the camera to take pictures of a patch of grass in shadow and bright sun -- there's an awful lot of contrast there. And I assume you didn't buy the camera to take pictures of blue sky to be viewed at 100%.

How does the camera work when you are taking pictures of real subjects? Are the images acceptable then?

If you are looking for no noise at 100%, go for a DSLR. I'd say enjoy it for what it is -- a handy, rugged point and shoot that can take fine images when you recognize its limitations.

I agree with you, your camera should be capable of much better IQ. Even when I just look at one area and don't look at the wide range mentioned, I would not be pleased. My very old A520 gives superior results set on auto. I would play with it a bit and ask your dealer for help. Good luck.
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Bob

http://www.syotr.com/gallery3/index.php/Canon_D10?page=1&_=2
Click through until you get to the largest size images.
If you are not able to get similar results you may have a defective camera.

The D10 does have some flaws (as do most P&S cameras) but I think it is the best of the waterproof group. It does tend to blow the highlights when there is high contrast in the scene. I often set mine to -1/3 exposure compensation when shooting on whtewater kayak trips.

The noise in the sky is common for this small sensor type camera but it does not show up in prints unless you blow them up really big.

If you need better low light performance, consider the s90 (or now s95.) Of course they lack the durability of the D10.

Thanks.
No, I do not think I'm getting that image quality.

I'll try manually adjusting down exposure a couple of stops, but it would seem the camera is defective. Damn.

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All I write, no matter how silly, are my personal views, and in no way reflect those of my employer or the voices in my head. Honest.