How to create a sharper image?

[blue91lx]

Hey guys and gals,

When browsing the net, I always seem to come across extremely "sharp" photos that just look 'different' from that of a Canon. I've always heard that Nikon has better glass, but is that the only contributing factor to a sharper image?

For example, these pictures were taken with a d3100 and a stock 18-55:
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6225/6882630624_8420eed737_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7028729073_5ef6eef4b3_b.jpg



I have a T3i now, and the images, to my eyes, do not look nearly that sharp. This is the closest I could get with my Canon:
http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab71/88notchman/2003%20Evo/IMG_1445.jpg
http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab71/88notchman/4g64%20Build/IMG_1801.jpg



Thoughts? Is the first picture an effect of post production, or is its simply the camera/lens?

[jesse096]

They might have sharpened it up in Photoshop or something to that effect. The sharpest one I've seen so far is this one, which happens to be my background ATM.

-Jesse

EDIT: Had to find the SN article, uploading thru TST killed quality...

http://www.stancenation.com/2012/03/22/nessen-forged-turbo-nissan-350z/

[twizhimself]

the 18-55 is notorously a crappy lens...(one of the worst nikon kit lenses)

my suggestion - spend some money, buy good glass, get sharper images

you can fake it too...theres plugins for photoshop, aperature and lightroom that can sharpen up images

and then theres some tricks of the trade that i use and were taught by some of my photoshop retouching buddies at my last job...kinda hard to explain without showing..

looking at your shots...it seems youre not focusing - you're letting your camera focus for you. learn how to select your focal point in camera and thatll help a little with your shots...you could also be handholding your camera during shots using a longer shutter...causing camera shake.

[twizhimself]

checked your EXIF data on that engine shot...your shooting wide open on what looks to be the Nifty 50....yea try shooting at around f/2.8 rather than f/1.8 and bump up your ISO (you were only at ISO 160 on that engine shot - i normally shoot 200 on a sunny day - try 400-800 indoors) to compensate for that stop of exposure - and by doing that, youll be able to increase your shutter speed (currently 1/80sec - slowish when handholding) to somewhere in the 1/100+ish range

if you dont have any idea of what im taking about, perhaps some reading and learning is necessary - i can recommend a book called Understanding Exposure

[Khellen]

There are tons of things that contribute to sharpness.

Focus, stability, shutter speed, glass, and the ability of your digital camera to process the pictures.

I had the same problem when I was first starting out and found that my focus was usually a bit off. If you're hand holding your camera in lower light situations that could be the culprit. Better glass definitely helps but your pictures should still be coming out perfectly clear at low resolutions even with standard lenses. You don't really notice increased sharpeness in higher end lenses until you start increasing the resolution of the picture.

What kind of lenses do you use? Primes? 50mm? 85mm? Or just the standard kit lenses? Try using a tripod and see if that helps.

Also, if you are using individual focus points make sure you keep them on your subject. If you focus and then move the camera to frame your picture you might be moving your picture out of focus.

[blue91lx]

They might have sharpened it up in Photoshop or something to that effect. The sharpest one I've seen so far is this one, which happens to be my background ATM.

-Jesse

EDIT: Had to find the SN article, uploading thru TST killed quality...

http://www.stancenation.com/2012/03/22/nessen-forged-turbo-nissan-350z/

Jesse, that is sharp. Thanks for sharing.

the 18-55 is notorously a crappy lens...(one of the worst nikon kit lenses)

my suggestion - spend some money, buy good glass, get sharper images

you can fake it too...theres plugins for photoshop, aperature and lightroom that can sharpen up images

and then theres some tricks of the trade that i use and were taught by some of my photoshop retouching buddies at my last job...kinda hard to explain without showing..

looking at your shots...it seems youre not focusing - you're letting your camera focus for you. learn how to select your focal point in camera and thatll help a little with your shots...you could also be handholding your camera during shots using a longer shutter...causing camera shake.

Very true. Nearly all of these shots are hand held, as I just assumed (shame on me) that the shutter speed was fast enough for it not to matter (in ample light). I am a sucker for the auto settings, but have been reading a lot recently and was planning to soon venture into the manual mode.

checked your EXIF data on that engine shot...your shooting wide open on what looks to be the Nifty 50....yea try shooting at around f/2.8 rather than f/1.8 and bump up your ISO (you were only at ISO 160 on that engine shot - i normally shoot 200 on a sunny day - try 400-800 indoors) to compensate for that stop of exposure - and by doing that, youll be able to increase your shutter speed (currently 1/80sec - slowish when handholding) to somewhere in the 1/100+ish range

if you dont have any idea of what im taking about, perhaps some reading and learning is necessary - i can recommend a book called Understanding Exposure

I was using the auto Av mode, so that'd make sense why the settings are not optimal. I will definitely try bumping up the ISO and F stop now that you've pointed that out and see what that does for me.

I've read my camera manuals a few times so I have a decent general understanding of how things work. I try to educate myself as much as possible in my hobbies, so this summer my plan was to get a few books and learn my ish :lol:.

How in depth does the book you mentioned go?

Thank you SO much for taking the time to reply.

There are tons of things that contribute to sharpness.

Focus, stability, shutter speed, glass, and the ability of your digital camera to process the pictures.

I had the same problem when I was first starting out and found that my focus was usually a bit off. If you're hand holding your camera in lower light situations that could be the culprit. Better glass definitely helps but your pictures should still be coming out perfectly clear at low resolutions even with standard lenses. You don't really notice increased sharpness in higher end lenses until you start increasing the resolution of the picture.

What kind of lenses do you use? Primes? 50mm? 85mm? Or just the standard kit lenses? Try using a tripod and see if that helps.

Also, if you are using individual focus points make sure you keep them on your subject. If you focus and then move the camera to frame your picture you might be moving your picture out of focus.

Yeah, I hear you on all accounts. I'm slowly beginning to use my tri-pod more, as when I don't, I routinely notice the shake afterwords. I always make sure I'm keeping the focus point on my subject, though.

I have the stock 18-55 and a 50mm 1.8. I use the nifty fifty 95% of the time, though.

Essentially I was just wondering if one could get a T3i to replicate the sharpness seen in the above shots taken with a D3100.



Thanks all for the advice! I also have NO idea, nor have I ever, edited a picture :lol:. I suppose that's something I need to get on as well.

[jesse096]

Sorry I'm not much help, I only have a SLR beginners camera, that take okay pictures lol, still trying to learn everything.

-Jesse

[grimm]

Canon L glass is much better than most if not all other glass for a canon. Also learn how to focus. Your interior shot is OOF. I have no problem getting sharp images wide open on my 50mm hand held. Just get more practice.

[blue91lx]

Canon L glass is much better than most if not all other glass for a canon. Also learn how to focus. Your interior shot is OOF. I have no problem getting sharp images wide open on my 50mm hand held. Just get more practice.

Thanks boss. I don't by any means think my skills are sufficient for sharp images :lol:

If you couldn't tell by this thread, I ask one vague question to learn about the million smaller questions I have floating around in my head.

I accidentally copied the link from the wrong interior photo (as the one above awful), but I suppose it net me some insightful responses.

The other picture I wanted to post is still terrible, but it's focused at least somewhat where I wanted it. For what it's worth:
http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab71/88notchman/2003%20Evo/IMG_1452.jpg


I'm all ears to any suggestions, tricks, tips, or anything else one might have to offer in regards to getting myself on the right track for learning this stuff.

[Saab93Aero]

looks like you're just not hitting your desired focus point. you might benefit from manual focusing. give it a shot and see if you can get what your expecting/looking for.

[grimm]

focus is really the weak point i see in your photos. even the new interior shot, nothing is in focus?

a shot of mine from clubloose. Pretty sharp right? just takes more practice and patience.
http://www.christopherludwigphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/cdl2011-loosemoves-20.jpg

[blue91lx]

I completely understand. However, for some reason my eyes like the look of the small focus point and having it fade away. My focus intent was on the far right side of the picture where the harness bar and seat are clear.

I guess what I mean by that is when I'm looking at my pictures, I am focusing on what I wanted to focus on. Thus, I think I need to first re-adjust my eyes to what is a proper focus point and go from there with the manual focusing.

Thanks again for the advice!

[grimm]

what you like is called "shallow depth of field".
http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-get-shallow-depth-of-field-in-your-digital-photos maybe the setting for you viewfinder is slightly off hence when you look thru the view finder it looks in focus but isn't or vice versa.

[boostedfury]

The other thing maybe on that interior shot would be trying that same shot with the 18-55 lens, and raising the f stop, which is the aperture, up to say like 7.1 rather then 1.8, which will enable a larger depth of field and help create a sharper image.

[twizhimself]

see the thing is your manuals dont teach you what you need to know about exposure....the book i mentioned will teach you what you would need to know about shooting and what aperature, shutter ISO and the biggest part - controlling light means. its what i used to learn photograpy..and i think im doing pretty ok for myself

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6823592006_1ee02687e6_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jond_photo/6823592006/)
JD1_4523-Edit (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jond_photo/6823592006/) by twizhimself (http://www.flickr.com/people/jond_photo/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6820865578_1676314470_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jond_photo/6820865578/)
JD1_4511-Edit-2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jond_photo/6820865578/) by twizhimself (http://www.flickr.com/people/jond_photo/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6807538441_b8c6424b16_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jond_photo/6807538441/)
JD1_4074 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jond_photo/6807538441/) by twizhimself (http://www.flickr.com/people/jond_photo/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5025/5732307113_cf665881f6_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jond_photo/5732307113/)
DSC_8356 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jond_photo/5732307113/) by twizhimself (http://www.flickr.com/people/jond_photo/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3310/4576347230_e5300b1af7_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jond_photo/4576347230/)
Ducati 1098 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jond_photo/4576347230/) by twizhimself (http://www.flickr.com/people/jond_photo/), on Flickr

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4039/4575713511_d8119c642e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jond_photo/4575713511/)
Stillen GTR (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jond_photo/4575713511/) by twizhimself (http://www.flickr.com/people/jond_photo/), on Flickr

[grimm]

i hear what you are saying twiz, and i agree, but there is no reason he shouldn't be able to get a sharp image while wide open. Either his focus is off or his viewfinder. no matter what aperture he sets it at, if it's not in focus it's not going to matter.

[Ej6Mike]

Higher F-stop/apeture (and maybe a tripod) will yield a sharper image (when focused)

[blue91lx]

Grimm, that may be the case. I tried a different mode in this picture and the focus seems to be a little better. Thanks again for your help.

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab71/88notchman/IMG_1818.jpg

I may have screwed up a setting somewhere. I suppose I'll be able to avoid it if I just shoot manual, which is the plan.

twiz, your photos are incredible! I'm going to order that book tonight. Is this the correct one?
http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-3rd-Edition-Photographs/dp/0817439390/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

Thanks for all your help.

[blue91lx]

I just had a "doh" moment.

A) This whole time I've been talking about the focus in terms of the square(s) that are highlighted in red when looking through the camera, when you guys have been pointing out that the whole photo is just blurry. I have a brain, it's just been a long week of finals, lol.

B) Since my 50mm is AF, I think that I sometimes do not stand back far enough for the entire image to be focused properly, as it will click when it's maxed out so I step back until it looks focused clear in the viewfinder, however, the photos above still come out blurry. They look good after I snap the picture on the little screen, but when they're seen at full size the imperfections hidden on the small screen are now obvious.

At least I'm man enough to admit my stupid mistakes :lol:.

[renn]

read the op and thought "he's shooting in auto" ...... theres your problem. nothing wrong with canon frames or lenses, in fact i would prefer them to nikon.

these are all canon 20d with a nifty fifty. you can get very sharp pictures if you shoot manually.

http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu230/renns944/_MG_0240.jpg

http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu230/renns944/_MG_1025.jpg

http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu230/renns944/_MG_0164-1.jpg

[twizhimself]

Grimm, that may be the case. I tried a different mode in this picture and the focus seems to be a little better. Thanks again for your help.

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab71/88notchman/IMG_1818.jpg

I may have screwed up a setting somewhere. I suppose I'll be able to avoid it if I just shoot manual, which is the plan.

twiz, your photos are incredible! I'm going to order that book tonight. Is this the correct one?
http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-3rd-Edition-Photographs/dp/0817439390/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

Thanks for all your help.

Much better! Thanks for the compliment!

That's the book! It's really a great investment...even for a hobbyist.

[grimm]

I just had a "doh" moment.

A) This whole time I've been talking about the focus in terms of the square(s) that are highlighted in red when looking through the camera, when you guys have been pointing out that the whole photo is just blurry. I have a brain, it's just been a long week of finals, lol.

B) Since my 50mm is AF, I think that I sometimes do not stand back far enough for the entire image to be focused properly, as it will click when it's maxed out so I step back until it looks focused clear in the viewfinder, however, the photos above still come out blurry. They look good after I snap the picture on the little screen, but when they're seen at full size the imperfections hidden on the small screen are now obvious.

At least I'm man enough to admit my stupid mistakes :lol:.

All lenses have a minimum focal range, meaning you have to be X distance away for it to focus. Glad to help.

[Sublime1304]

Not to thread jack but since were talking about sharper images, if I'm at a show (say tomorrows TST meet) where it'll be nice and sunny, what aperture would be best to set my lens at for a nice sharp image. Im using a Nikon D90 with the 18-105mm lens. I shot this Audi last night at f/11 & long exposure and I think its why I came out with a sharper focused image. Anyone care to shed some light? Thanks

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7174344248_974c9684aa_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sublime1304/7174344248/)
DSC_6109 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sublime1304/7174344248/) by Mike Burns Photography (http://www.flickr.com/people/sublime1304/), on Flickr

[grimm]

Not to thread jack but since were talking about sharper images, if I'm at a show (say tomorrows TST meet) where it'll be nice and sunny, what aperture would be best to set my lens at for a nice sharp image. Im using a Nikon D90 with the 18-105mm lens. I shot this Audi last night at f/11 & long exposure and I think its why I came out with a sharper focused image. Anyone care to shed some light? Thanks

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7174344248_974c9684aa_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sublime1304/7174344248/)
DSC_6109 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sublime1304/7174344248/) by Mike Burns Photography (http://www.flickr.com/people/sublime1304/), on Flickr

do you know how to view the efix info? depending on your browser there should be a plugin for it. once you figure that out, then you can check the settings for these photos. http://www.tristatetuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125113 they were all mostly shot mid afternoon on a bright sunny day.

[blue91lx]

Halfway done that book, and it's incredible. Thanks again.

[04BlueSRT4]

I also remember reading some where a while ago that as a general rule a lens will create its sharpest image at roughly twice its maximum aperture. So a lens with an f/1.8 would be sharpest at f/3.6 or so.

[twizhimself]

typically its f8-f11

[Sublime1304]

I shoot at f/11 and I get really sharp results with an 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. I don't know why I never did this before :\


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