Grainy Photos!!

[edrunyon]

I am still learning a lot, and I am wondering why a lot of my photos turn out Grainy. What can I do to eliminate this? I use a Canon XT Rebel with EOS. I appreciate all comments, but please help. let me know if you need any samples, but I figure that we have all seen a grainy photo.

[rpgfkp]

I do not know much about the XT, but that "grainy" look is usually due to noise. Noise is random variation in tonal or color information, and is a byproduct of the way that the camera sensor records information. You can decrease the amount of noise that your camera captures by shooting at lower ISO's. Generally, anything over 200 starts to get a little noisy.

[sma200]

Use a low ISO, the lower the ISO, the less noise. Lower ISO's need more light to reduce blurry images, or use a tripod with slower shutter speeds. These will produce your best quality/images.

[GadgetRick]

Post some examples with EXIF and we can give you an idea of what's happening.

[edrunyon]

Thanks for the input, I am sure the lower ISO will help, I had mine at 1600! for easier shots without a flash. I am still learning how to use my flash without getting unwanted shadows, but the grainy photos are more annoying.

[rpgfkp]

To cut down on the shadows you can buy an external flash, and can use it in your hand, or bounce it off of objects.. But it can be as easy as taking an index card and bouncing the flash off of that, and off the ceiling, wall or floor.