How do I get sharper images? NX1100

Auster Pilot wrote:

CMurdock wrote:

By the way, taking shots at different exposure-compensation levels is necessary. It's impossible to tell from the LCD whether I have the EC just right.

Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere but if you are manually adjusting with EC you can speed this process up considerably by setting the camera to use AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing). You switch this on in the Drive/Timer settings (left side of the control wheel) or Option 3 of the Camera Menu.

You can then set the range (Bracket Area) of the AEB images in the Bracket Set (Menu option 3 of the Camera Settings).

So if you were to set the range from -1 to +1 - and if on A mode the exposure value was set to F5.6 the shutter may work out at 1/60sec. Then, when you hold the shutter down it will take images that are 1/125sec, 1/60sec, 1/30sec (These being the equivalent of 1 stop of exposure apart)

That way, you can get the variation you need in exposure without having to reset it every time manually. You can set the range from +-1/3 stop to +-3 Stops.

I hope I haven't confused you there, but I'm sure this could help in what you are trying to do.

And just to confirm - the considerably reduced depth of field compared to a typical point and shoot or bridge camera is due to the larger sensor.

In fact, for some Macro work - particularly flowers I often use my Panasonic TZ19 as I can get so much more in focus with that.

Neil, this is very valuable information, and I will try it soon.

What I've been doing is this:  I've been taking 8-10 shots at 4 different EC levels, and then later I determine which EC level was most accurate, and I select a picture among that group which is the sharpest and generally looks the best.  In other words, I'll take 8-10 shots at one EC level, and then change it one step higher, then take another 8-10 shots, etc.  If I do what you suggest, then I am guessing that the photos won't be so neatly laid out in groups of darker-to-lighter when I look at them later on my computer.  Since I only have to change the EC manually 2-4 times when shooting a particular product, it's not much of a problem.  However, I'll try what you recommended.  Thanks!