Sharp images

[emu]

Hi all

I don't know if this question came up earlier. I own a D70 now for close to three years. I am quite happy, however if I compare pictures taken with other cameras they look always sharper. I have read this is a problem of the standard lenses supplied by Nikon. I am aware of the ISO limitations,and we can obmit the shaking hand problem,depth of field and similar beginners problems. I have used some lenses from my old Nikon film camera, they are not the standard lenses and have used Tamarons as well. The problem appears not be related to any manual or automatic functions.
Regards
emu

[ELAY]

If it isn't focus, camera shake, subject movement, lousy lenses, etc. then all i can think is that your D70 isn't sharpening to your taste in camera.

I think that in the Shooting menu of your D70 there is an option for controlling the sharpening your camera does to spit out jpegs. Have you tried upping the sharpening?

Otherwise, you may have to just apply some sharpening in post-production.

EL

[emu]

Elay,

thank you for your comment, I have updated the NIkon firmware this improved the situation somewhat. You could be right about personal taste, however the remarks I made are not restricted to a Nikon.I have read such comments about sharpness(SLR's} on other European forums. Most of the time those problems are created by the users, however reading twice comments made by people working in the industry, about this problem I became a bit suspicious. The answers pointing always to the package deal lenses. Unfortunately I was unable to get my hands on a more expensive lens, photography is only one of my hobbies. I know, software can fix the problem, but I wanted to hear some other opinions.
Regards
emu

[Nicole]

One thing you might try is looking online to see what you can find about the "sweet spot" of the lens. Every lens has a spot where the pictures tend to be the sharpest. Perhaps this will help improve your results.

[wulf]

Don't forget that a lot of people like to talk about buying more gear as if it is the answer to all problems. There has even been a phrase coined to sum that up: GAS (gear acquisition syndrome).

Take a look at the photos taken by people weighing in with apparently learned and weighty opinions. Do they suggest the person is a superb photographer or just an owner of expensive equipment? For the ones that do seem to be able to walk the walk as well as talk the talk, do they have pictures taken with more basic gear? You may still find yourself impressed with those shots because they have talent and skill.

In short, buying more equipment may help but don't forget that you can almost always do more with what you have already got.

Wulf

[Nicole]

In short, buying more equipment may help but don't forget that you can almost always do more with what you have already got.


Couldn't agree with that more :) I've heard so many people talk about what poor quality the Nikkor 70-300G (Non-VR model for those who may not know) is. In the right conditions the lens works a treat. Of course it will never be ideal for low light shooting, nor is it necessarily the sharpest when wide open, but that doesn't mean that it cannot be a good lens.

Of course, I still have lens lust for all the nice fast lenses, but until then, I can definitely work with what I have.

[emu]

@Nicole,

I have heard about the "sweet spot" but haven't payed any attention to it. It's now on my to do list.

@Wulf,

yes, you have a point here if you follow threads you can see people changing camera model like shirts and the accessories as well. I also like to mention most of the pictures show no real difference when printed.( I know about screen calibration and color profiles) Finally I don't like to drag on with a question, because most of the time the question ends up in a general discussion.
Thanks for your comments much appreciated
emu

[mikem12188]

Don't forget. Ansel Adams also took pictures with a Polaroid.

[Tiberius]

Some of the tricks to getting the sharpest pictures include:

Always use a tripod. A good tripod. Use a cable or remote release. Remotes are better because there is no direct physical connection between the camera and the user. Use the camera's mirror lock up function if possible.