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The man or the machine?

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Toxa

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Just bought a D7000 with a couple of lenses suggested by members of this board. I have no previous experience with DSLs, but a fair share with point-n-shoots over the years.

I'm not quite happy with the pictures, and hope the problem is my lack of skills, rather than the equipment.

Please comment on the comparison below with a Canon G12. The original files you can find on my gallery.

TIA.

Comparison:





Original files:
 
Hello there!

I read your post and it is definetly not you camera, its probably your skill. It takes a while of learning before you will see your self getting amazing shots with your dslr, no matter what equipment you have. As to why the shots look slightly better on your point and shoot, I am not really sure, we would have to look at the exif data to get a better idea, and even then it could be other things such as the way your holding your camera and such. I highly reccomend you either by a book or look at good online articles on photography with a dslr. Good luck!
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67848139@N06/
 
There are a number of ways to test wherein lies the problem but the problem is most likely you. At the very least, you understand your G12 and how to use it but you don't have the same understanding of the D7000. Add to that fact is the 50 f/1.4 also has a learning curve which is a little steeper than the 16-85. Combined, it will take you a while to get over the learning curves. Books and videos are a big help in the beginning.

Your new combos are capable of giving you better photos than the G12 (which is no slouch) but not until you understand how each component works. Be patient with yourself and your gear. Avoid the temptation to look for fault in the equipment until you've made the effort to learn your new gear and have taken a number of photos.
--
OK, not so purely a hobby.
 
Toxa said:
... I have no previous experience with DSLs, but a fair share with point-n-shoots over the years.
Click to expand...
Mythbusters: "Well, there's your problem!"

Auto mode on dSLR is not like auto on a compact. On a compact, assuming that you are aiming for a specific result, it doesn't make as big a difference if you are in manual or automatic, the camera is less capable so most photographic decisions converge on a narrower set of possibilities. However, with a dSLR, the camera has much more room to maneuver, so auto mode on dSLR limits the way the shot can be taken to a narrow possibility out of many. This can seem frustrating, giving the user the "why won't the camera do what I want it to?" response... but the real reason is that the camera is trying to, but that it has a larger arsenal to choose from.

It looks like you are coming to grips with taking exposure and focus through the lens. Try the same shots with live-view to get a better sense of how a dSLR compares to a compact. Just to deal with the apparent lack of sharpness, either you didn't get the focus point down right or your lens could use a bit of fine-tuning.... however, I would concentrate on the former before even contemplating the latter.

http://1000wordpics.blogspot.com
 
AFc in case the subject breaths or your hand moves , take a burst of 3 and sort out the best later , ya have to be kiddin
 
Toxa said:
Just bought a D7000 with a couple of lenses suggested by members of this board. I have no previous experience with DSLs, but a fair share with point-n-shoots over the years.

I'm not quite happy with the pictures, and hope the problem is my lack of skills, rather than the equipment.

Please comment on the comparison below with a Canon G12. The original files you can find on my gallery.

TIA.

Comparison:





Original files:
Click to expand...
It looks like a settings issue with the D7K. Not unlikely as your expertise is with the G12 and still developing with the D7K.

In order to really help sort it out......go here http://www.dpreview.com/members/settings/profile

And under the "Privacy and Safety" tab check "Allow" under "allow download of original" That way we can download to ViewNX2 and checked the camera settings you used. That assumes you uploaded pics/files as they came from the camera (the jpeg's directly) vs any crop/change in Photoshop or the like. Good luck and hang in there.
 
Changed the settings, will repeat the test as soon as I get a sunny day again.
 
Toxa said:
Just did that, appreciate if you could check the files :-)
Click to expand...
Just downloaded both. From the recorded info in ViewNX2...in both these pictures you used AF-Area mode "Auto"





In the above pic, the camera focused on the cone primarily but the "LowePro" is still in the focus plane. The focus was not missed but the pic is simply soft as the 16-85 is a bit soft wide open. Not a bad pic at all considering.





In the above focus seemed to lock on the doll/cone so every thing is in the DOF and looks fine at 100%. (your OP crops are closer to 200%) You also have in camera sharpening set to "Auto" in this one...doesn't help here. The difference in my opinion is how your viewing each pic. When I zoom the G12 pic in at the same 200% All 3 pics look the same regards focus and sharpening.

It takes a while to get comfortable with the AF-Area modes but I have found that "Atuo" rarely helps when precision is desired. I don't think you have any camera problems...just getting you DSLR feet solid takes a bit of time...Hang in there and Good Luck!
 
Toxa said:
I'm not happy with the (lack of) sharpness.
Click to expand...
Why, they look the same as your G12 when viewed the same...and I'm sure you can improve with a better selection of AF-Area mode.
 
Not really, if you check on this file all images are 100% size:





The G12 is definitely more sharp (see the plush toy "hair" and the embroidery inside the eyes), hence I believe either me (I hope) or the camera have problems.

Or do you think this may be a project limitation?
 
Definitely the machine. The G12 is a way better camera. :) Just kidding. I actually have a G12 and while it is a great little camera there is no way it is going to be better then the DSLR and good lenses. The G12 processes the pictures straight out of the camera differently then the D7000. I would never put my DSLR on auto. Heck, I never use the G12 in auto. Put it in AV mode and practice. Make some adjustments. Or you could give it to me and I will give you my G12 :)
--

 
I'm working on new settings and will post results soon, but my concern right now is the sharpness.

It is clear that the D7000 autofocus is tricky and requires a lot of practice to master. However, even if it is still not focusing exactly where I aim (due my lack of experience), the area that it really focus is not quite sharp either...
 
It appears to me that your D7000 images are OOF. Also, were you using a large aperture when you shot these? Keep in mind that these large aperture lenses are not all that sharp wide open and need to be stopped down for maximum sharpness. Without the original size images for comparison and EXIF information on exposure, etc. it is difficult to say what your issue is.

Best regards,
Jon
 
For starters the shuuter speed is more than twice as fast on the G12 than on the D7000.
--
Michael
 
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