Think I'm being paranoid about my camera?

[verdisQUO]

I have an Rebel XS and I'm considering upgrading to an Rebel T1i.

I haven't been shooting very long and one of my goals is that I would like my captures to be sharp and crisp. I don't know if it's the camera (Rebel XS) or me, but I haven't been able to achieve the results I want.

You reckon it could be that age old saying 'a bad craftsmen always blames his tools", and me just needing to build up my chops more?


Anyone else feel the same?

[RichardTaylor]

You should be able to achieve captures to be sharp and crisp" with that camera, dependant on the subject and lighting and (possibly the lens) you are using.

Upgrading to the next model may only help a little.

Maybe posting some relevant pics that don't achieve the results you want will help us make some constructive suggestions.

[raylfreeman]

I have an XS and have no challenges with good quality images because of what I have learned here in addition to trial and error.

Ditto Richard's post. The experience and assistance offered here is invaluable and can save you lots of frustration much less dollars.

Post some pics with EXIF info and let these people assist.

[OsmosisStudios]

Dont upgrade the camera, upgrade the photographer. Then maybe the lens that goes in front of it.

[jofrost]

I'd have to agree . The XS takes nice crisp photos ...At least what I have found , depending on settings used . I don't have the "best" lenses either , but seem to take decent photos .
I won't upgrade till I figure out all the functions and feel "limited"...or it wears out first

-John ( having fun with his XS )

[natek313]

I very much agree with what has been said already.

I also shoot with the XS, and I've not had any problems with getting sharp images. Take a look at my Flickr if you want. All of them were taken with my XS. Granted, some of them were taken with some L glass, but the vast majority are from the lower end of the lens spectrum.

I wouldn't be so hasty in upgrading your camera. Stick with it, especially since you haven't been shooting very long. I know what it feels like to want to take photos like the ones you see in fashion or wildlife magazines; trust me. There's a lot to it, though, and it can (and most likely will) be frustrating for a while. But, once you get that first photo that makes you wow yourself, it'll all be worth it.

And I second Richard's suggestion of posting some photos (along with EXIF info) you're referring to. That will help enable everyone to give you some insight into what you can do to possibly improve your shots.

[verdisQUO]

Thanks all.

Guess I'm jumping the gun blameing my tools. Didn't think there was so much involved in taking a few pictures lol. I'll definetly use this forum. I've read a bunch of stuff and this is proving to be a great resource. Plus some of the photos that you guys have just confirms that it's the person behind the camera, and not the camera itself.

[irispatch]

Things that can affect image sharpness. Just a few
Lens Quality image size. Nearly all of Canon's lens will give you sharp 4x6 prints but as you go up the softness becomes apparent with some of them. What lenses are you using?
Camera shake: Slow shutter speed and just a tiny bit of movement will result in images lacking sharpness to outright blurred images. A flash or a tripod help as will improving your holding technique.

Filters. It is a split opinion on using a UV filter on your lenses to begin with. One of the biggest reasons some people have sharpness issues is they have placed an inexpensive UV filter on the front of their lenses. New owner frequently run to Best Buy thinking that the filter will improve their images by reducing glare etc. or as protection for the lens. That can be true but only if high quality filters are being used. If you have a filter on your lens take a few shots of something. Then with out changing anything remove the filter and repeat the shots. Review the images on your computer. If there is an obvious improvement in sharpness throw the filter away.

[spencer28n]

Has no one thought about the possibility of him getting a bad copy of the body. Granted, you hear bad lens copies but it's completely possible that there's something physically wrong with camera. Posting some pictures with EXIF info would help us determine the cause.

Just a thought.

[jdepould]

Some sample images would help us nail down the problem, whether it's slow shutter speed, missed focus, or some other weird thing.