T5i dissatisfaction

Went through 2 Nikons then this T5. Its been a struggle to get clear, detailed pics. Same with Nikons. But to the canon, I love the way it operates but without sifting through pics, manipulation and hours messaging them I’ve had it. I have a sigma 17-70 and a 70-300 canon and the 50 it came with and struggle with crispies. I’ve been in photography as an amateur since the mid 70’s so I’m not a novice. Here’s something interesting - had the first dole Pentax and was super satisfied but the 8mp caused me to hand it down. Anyone else have detail issues with the T5.

I have a T5i, a 7DII, and a 6D. The T5i is the camera I keep in the car year round. It isn't an action camera, my other cameras are better for low light but for taking a photo in daylight it is still doing a fine job using the 18-135 or the 10-18 efs lens.

It has a flippy screen that my other cameras don't have which can be handy at times so it does bring something to the game my much more expensive bodies do not.

My t5i is set up for back button focus, center focus point. If I hand the camera to a family member to take a picture I put it on the green setting and it works fine for them.

Szumi

Just out of Curiosity, are you refering to the T5 or the T5i?  I believe the T5i is the better camera and I think it has more focus points and faster?  But, of course, it could be the lens.

Welcome!

There are so many factors that could be at play here that we really need to see some samples, both of what you consider to be good, and bad.

There are several methods of sharing pics on the forum, but the simplest would probably be to upload them directly from your computer. It would help the most if you left the EXIF intact too.

Some initial thoughts (without seeing anything) would be that these DSLRs are designed to output very neutral (ie. bland) images directly out of the camera.  However you can select a more vibrant "Picture Style" (in camera) and also modify it to your liking (in camera). This would leave you less to do when post processing, which is always a good thing!

The T5i also has a far higher resolution than the 8 MP Pentax (was it an Optio?). If you are looking at images at 100%, they will not appear nearly as punchy. In addition, if the camera you are used to was in fact a smaller Point and Shoot, then the (much) smaller sensor in that camera would give you tons more depth of field (which can impact sharpness too).

Post some pics, and we can give you more detailed help.

TIA!

R2

Stu Brennan wrote:

First, look to the lenses. the Sigma I don't know. The 70 - 300: Isn't that the one that's poorly regarded for sharpness, on this forum and elsewhere? And is the 50 the cheap f/1.8? I have that one for my XSi (450d) and its good for the price, but...

Stu

The cheap 50mm f/1.8 is actually highly regarded, and considered a bargain given its performance.  I get tremendously sharp images with this little lens.  It is a plastic body lens, but it is capable of very fine IQ.  Unless all the OP's lenses are bad, he has other issues.

Lepewhi wrote:

Just out of Curiosity, are you refering to the T5 or the T5i? I believe the T5i is the better camera and I think it has more focus points and faster? But, of course, it could be the lens.

I have a T5 and I can get outstanding pictures despite its reputation.  I agree with Lepewhi that the T5i should be a better camera.

I would think its either a technique problem or you may have a bad lens.