IQ difference at nearly same settings?

rolfaalders wrote:

Been to the zoo, today.
Not really great pictures, but I was able to get some really good practice

I've got a question regarding the Image Quality of 2 pictures with nearly the same settings, but with really different image quality. I'm trying to figure out why the IQ is so different. Can you explain?

100% crops (screenshot) of the unprocessed images.
The face of the black/brown monkey has a lot of noise, is washed out and also some purple glow can be seen around the blown out highlights.
Fuji X-M1 XF60mm
Settings: ISO 800, 60mm, 1/200th, F2.4

The IQ of the white monkey seems a lot better. No purple glow, but that's because there are no blown highlights, I guess.
Fuji X-M1 XF60mm
Settings: ISO 800, 60mm, 1/500th, F2.4

Reasons for the difference I can imagine:
1. Focus on the black/brown monkey is not good, resulting in less contrast (washed out)
2. Black/brown monkey is much further away from the camera, resulting in reduced quality. (the white monkey is only 2 meters away; the black/brown monkey is much bigger, but probably 15 meters away).
3. Backlight conditions at the Black/Brown monkey

Also, the 2 final images attached:

Can you explain why the quality is so much different? Is it because of the reasons I already listed, or can you give me other reasons?
Looking forward to your comments

Thanks!

IMO it is all of the above, Difficult light, mis-focus but mostly the wrong settings. Ideally you would post actual the images here complete with full exif rather than a screen capture so that we can see all your settings and comment accordingly.

You say you used manual exposure - manual exposure is Manual aperture, manual shutter, ISO etc. If you use any of these on auto, such as aperture priority then that is still auto exposure and it will not change the amount of light coming into the camera. If you want to use AP or SP - both are fine BTW, then also use the + - ev dial to manually adjust the exposure for specific lighting conditions. It may help you to use AP and exposure bracketing for 3 - 5 shots then decide which looks best so that next time you can set your own exposure either manually or using the ev dial.

I'm assuming the XM1 will allow you to do this via dials or menu.

The other advice to learn either by schooling or from books/magazines is also good.