Frustrated! What does it take...

[Michael_2010]

... to get the result I want with this DSLR stuff? I study various exif settings, think I have it down and then I never quiet get the result I want. What am I missing? How do I re-create the crystal clear captures I see on this forum?



Shutter 1/60 Sec.
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 55 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias -2/3 EV

[BigFuzzy]

What exactly do you mean "crystal clear"? What are you trying to achieve? Do you mean sharpness? Depth of Field? Accurate color representation? For me at least you need to be a bit clearer on what your goal is.
Also, it might help if you tell us the camera and lens you used as those may be factors.
Are you using a tripod? That's my first question because at 1/60th shutter speed with no tripod, you're definitely going to lose some sharpness.

Also, often times when shooting into the sun, you'll get a more hazy photo.. especially depending on the quality of your lens/chip.
I assume that the 55mm means you're probably using the kit 18-55mm lens? That's a start as it's not the best lens out there (though also not bad).
The blades of grass on the right seem very sharp. It seems your focus was definitely on at that focal length.

Can you put your lens on infinity focus? What about shooting with a smaller aperture (bigger f/number) as it'll give you a greater depth of field (ie more in focus). I'd try to go for at least f/11 if not f/22 if possible.

More info from you about what's disappointing you would help me/us give you a clearer answer.

Are you asking for a critique on the image as well?

[IABoomer]

This image isn't terrible, IMHO. The horizon line is good. There's a nice balance between the sky, water, and foreground land. The bright sun to the left contrasts the dark boat to the right.

As Fuzzy said, a bit smaller of an aperture and maybe a little work on hyper-focus would sharpen things up a bit. You could also do a high-pass sharpen in Photoshop/GIMP. I too would like to know what it is about this image that's not up to your expectation.

[Michael_2010]

Canon XSi 450D
18-55mm kit lens

Yes, I used a tripod and took several shots using various settings. This was the best of the bunch.

Wish I could better define what I am looking for, but I’m not sure I can. Sharpness, but not artificial post-processing sharpness, if ya know what I mean.

[Michael_2010]

Could you better explain hyper-focus? Locking in on infinity?

It seems like any time I try to sharpen after the fact the picture gets that much more fragmented or grainy and that is not the look I want. Hard to explain, but some really good digital photographs are almost glass like in appearance and have a super tight pixilation (if that is a word). Mine get fuzzier with size and manipulation. These start out as huge files too.

Another thing that bugs me is the differences I see from one monitor to the next. I will load something up on my home computer and be okay with it. Later I may load it at another location and it might not even look like the same picture. Is that just the way it goes, or is there some way to better control such a thing?

[IABoomer]

Originally Posted by Michael_2010

Could you better explain hyper-focus? Locking in on infinity?

If you take the lens off auto-focus, you should be able to manually adjust the focus to infinity, which should be a mark on the lens that looks like a sideways "8". If you search this forum for hyper-focal distance, or maybe HFD, you can find some examples such as this thread: Focus Method, expalantion needed please or from the section outside the forum: 6 Winning Ways to Work Wide

It seems like any time I try to sharpen after the fact the picture gets that much more fragmented or grainy and that is not the look I want. Hard to explain, but some really good digital photographs are almost glass like in appearance and have a super tight pixilation (if that is a word). Mine get fuzzier with size and manipulation. These start out as huge files too.

Another thing that bugs me is the differences I see from one monitor to the next. I will load something up on my home computer and be okay with it. Later I may load it at another location and it might not even look like the same picture. Is that just the way it goes, or is there some way to better control such a thing?

The color-balance between monitors is just something you have to deal with. Many people don't bother to color calibrate their displays, so when you open your images on their computers, who knows what you'll find.

Ideally, everyone would have a calibration device and use it, or the manufacturers would just build systems with precise spot-on color, but until then, it is what it is.

[wanderella]

i understand you michael...i feel the same way....seems like something is always just slightly "off' so you don't get that perfect shot......only thing i can say (and this is what i do) is practice, practice, practice....and when you think you've done enough....practice some more.......good luck...and don't be too hard on yourself....this is fun, remember...

[Michael_2010]

Thanks for the feedback. I need to remind myself about the fun part at times. lol

The thing about a sunrise is that the window of opportunity is so limited and if all does not go well the day seems shot. As the sun starts to come over the horizon the colors and light are changing constantly. If you are still fumbling around with the basic settings of the camera, the moment gets away from ya. I'm still stumbling around with those settings, when I should be more focused on composition and timing.

[Michael_2010]

Thanks for the link to the Hyper Focal Distance thread. That information could possibly take me further down the road I am trying to travel. Off to do some additional reading on the subject....

[41(thirty)]

I gotta say, I like this picture. I like the composition and contrast. If you're looking for some more clarity there may be a couple things to try. I'm not an expert I'm just a trial and error kindda guy. One thing I find is that colder / dryer days seem to be more clear than summer days. If you have some $$ to drop, a new lens may help alittle. the 18-55 IS is a good lens for the price but has some drawbacks. Take a look at the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (non VC) It's very sharp, has a max aperture of f/2.8 through the whole range, has a very close focusing distance and a usable manual focus ring with markings. It's a high performing lens at a middle of the road price. One last thing about hyper focal distance that a friend showed me. Set up your tripod / remote shutter and compose your shot. When you have everything metered and composed turn on live view. pick something about 1/3 into your scene and hit the zoom in button twice and it will magnify the section 10x. Now use manual focus to dial in on that one spot. If you use an aperture between f/11 and f/16 you'll have a pretty decent shot at hitting your hyper-focal distance.

PS. I am not an expert, I've only been shooting for 1 1/2 years. I shoot mostly landscapes, most of which shot with my Canon XSi and Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (which is why I recommend that lens)