Image Sharpness/Detail

cdmazoff wrote:

Bobmx50 wrote:

Digirame wrote:

It could be all three, the photographer, the camera and the lens. First, review whether you are having depth of field issues (see a depth of field calculator on the internet). Secondly, a more up-to-date camera could help a little. Third, go read the reviews about the Canon 75-300mm lens. I think you would be much better off using a Canon 55-250mm STM lens (assuming you are looking for something that is affordable in that price range).

You don't need to spend a whole lot. Just consider any improvements that you could make as a photographer and upgrade a little. If that interests you, then you could ask others what they would recommend. I'm presently using two older Canon DSLR cameras and one newer Canon DSLR camera (the Canon T7i (800D) camera). They all take good pictures. I would never use a Canon 75-300mm lens.

Thank you for your input! Judging from the images I posted do you think it's possible to make them even more sharper with what I have or no? I think i'm using the camera and kit lenses to the best of their ability without upgrading gear.

Here's what I would do:

I agree with Digirame above, but you can also try this before upgrading. I have a t7i but a very expensive lens (100-400 mk2 IS L).. and the IQ is amazing

1) use one shot (not AI Servo) for portrait

I shoot in "one shot" mode 90% of the time unless shooting aircraft.

2) Use manual focus override if your lens allows it (on mine I leave the lens switched to AF but I can still turn the manual focus ring)... This allows for greater precision

I'll have to give that a try.

3) Make sure you are STEADY.. Lean against something if you are shooting hand held

I'm about as steady as can be

4) Increase your f stop (unless you really want the wide open bokeh)

I agree.  I've found that about f8 is the sweet spot for the 300mm lens.

5) Make sure your shutter speed is high enough

Absolutely!  Unless i'm in low light I try and use around 125/sec shutter speed.  I try and keep the ISO at 100 unless I really need to bump it up.

6) Shoot in RAW. Do not use in camera picture mode settings (which are for jpg).. and do all your adjustments in your RAW processing software (I use Canon DPP and Adobe PS).

One of the first things I learned was to always shoot in RAW.