House Finch @ ISO 50

[gjtoth]

I've been experimenting with different settings. Take a look at the EXIF on this photo. Shooting at ISO 50 has taught me a big lesson -- I don't NEED to shoot at the higher ISOs! Just need to KNOW what this camera can do at various settings under different conditions. That's going to take getting out there and USING it. This camera (SP-550UZ) was reviewed to produce "soft" captures at the long end. That may be true with higher ISOs but, this sure doesn't look "soft" to me. What do YOU think?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2008/2181346599_b2c6dd220e_b.jpg

[anicole]

I can't see the photo ... it says that it's currently unavailable?

[gjtoth]

I can't see the photo ... it says that it's currently unavailable?

Dunno what happened but, it should be ok now. :eek:

[Snappers]

I may be being a little thick here (or not read enough lessons yet) but what do you mean by Soft Capture? Do you mean depth of field etc?

The image to me has a blurred background which could constitute for a soft image where as the bird looks sharp but not as sharp as some of your other pictures.

Also, if you are taking this picture through your glass, would that not have a bearing on the setting on the camera?

[gjtoth]

I may be being a little thick here (or not read enough lessons yet) but what do you mean by Soft Capture? Do you mean depth of field etc?

Nope. Some reviewers say the edges and general sharpness of the capture isn't as good as they think it should be. This generally occurs in prosumer cameras at high ISO or at extreme end focal lengths (my Oly has 18x). This shot was at max optical zoom BUT, with low ISO and no IS. It was shot through the window (as usual for me) on a very overcast day.


The image to me has a blurred background which could constitute for a soft image where as the bird looks sharp but not as sharp as some of your other pictures.

I'm still experimenting with aperture and speed. Hang in there, I'll get it. heh


Also, if you are taking this picture through your glass, would that not have a bearing on the setting on the camera?

You betcha! And, no PL was in use to cut any glare. I didn't think one was necessary due to the overcast condition. Live & learn.

[Snappers]

I see, I think:D

Are you happy with the capture?

[dkippen]

Andy -

I'm glad I wasn't the only clueless about "soft" capture. I see the term quite a bit, but too embarrassed to ask what it meant.

I wasn't sure how to comment on this one one. I assumed the shot was taken through the window and the overcast conditions create a "dulling" effect. Gary - have you tried boosting the contrast so the red bird stands out?

[gjtoth]

I see, I think:D

Are you happy with the capture?

Not quite, Andy. But, like I said, I'm still playing. I'm happy right now that I can shoot at lower ISOs and get clear captures. For some reason, I used to equate high ISOs (400+) to fast shutter speed and "good photos". Thanks to this course and being enlightened, I can see that is FAR from the truth! High ISO *does* mean (generally) grainier captures -- especially at the long end of the zoom -- and that may also contribute to the overall "softness" of the capture. Peter, care to comment on this?

[gjtoth]

Andy -

I'm glad I wasn't the only clueless about "soft" capture. I see the term quite a bit, but too embarrassed to ask what it meant.

I wasn't sure how to comment on this one one. I assumed the shot was taken through the window and the overcast conditions create a "dulling" effect. Gary - have you tried boosting the contrast so the red bird stands out?

Not yet, Debbie. My goal is to attain the highest quality image I can BEFORE PPing.

[jonrayner]

One way that it has been explained to me is that there is a lack of bite where there is a change of colour or tone in the image. However I am not sure that, that apply's to your shot. I think that there is a little noise, but that might be the window.....
That said I think it is a great shot.

Also Gary, I have you to blame, I have not got a couple of bord feeders in my garden now (all because of you!!). Like Andy, I haven't seen any birds yet, I've even tried singing to entice them in for all the goodies, but that doesn't seem to work!

[gjtoth]

One way that it has been explained to me is that there is a lack of bite where there is a change of colour or tone in the image. However I am not sure that, that apply's to your shot. I think that there is a little noise, but that might be the window.....
That said I think it is a great shot.

Also Gary, I have you to blame, I have not got a couple of bord feeders in my garden now (all because of you!!). Like Andy, I haven't seen any birds yet, I've even tried singing to entice them in for all the goodies, but that doesn't seem to work!

Thanks, Jon.

Have patience with the birds, Jon. As I told Andy... once word gets out there's a free lunch, you'll be hard-pressed to keep them filled. :) Oh... and, don't sing. They hate the competition. :D

[Snappers]

Still no birds at mine yet and I havn't even sung!

[gjtoth]

Still no birds at mine yet and I havn't even sung!

I'll bet the neighbors are dropping to their knees in thanks, eh? heheheheheh Just kiddin' ;)

[gjtoth]

I wasn't sure how to comment on this one one. I assumed the shot was taken through the window and the overcast conditions create a "dulling" effect. Gary - have you tried boosting the contrast so the red bird stands out?

Here's a little before and after for you. I ran the ol' unsharp mask on it. See any difference? :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2008/2181346599_b2c6dd220e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/2184208800_5c3247d22a_b.jpg

[Snappers]

I'll bet the neighbors are dropping to their knees in thanks, eh? heheheheheh Just kiddin' ;)

The heckling crowd keep shouting for more tunes, but it's raining enough at the moment:D


As for the photo, The 2nd photo, the colours are more vivid.

[jonrayner]

That does look better, more vivid, but not sure if it has gone too dark in places.....

[dkippen]

Gary -

I like the second one much better - more contrast and the red birds stands out so much more.

[ladyups]

Hi, Gary. I hope you do not mind me playing with your pretty red finch. I just like working with photos and I liked this little guy. Please...if this makes you mad, do not hesitate to tell me and I won't do it again. I just wanted to play with it a bit. I ran it through my neat image, used high pass filter on it, and then selected the little bird and upped the saturation on it so it would be brighter. Not in that order but reversed...:rolleyes:

Mary

[gjtoth]

Hi, Gary. I hope you do not mind me playing with your pretty red finch. I just like working with photos and I liked this little guy. Please...if this makes you mad, do not hesitate to tell me and I won't do it again. I just wanted to play with it a bit. I ran it through my neat image, used high pass filter on it, and then selected the little bird and upped the saturation on it so it would be brighter. Not in that order but reversed...:rolleyes:

Mary

Aaaaahhhh... much better. I'm still learning the PP stuff. I don't use PS because I use Linux and whilst it will run on this machine, it takes forEVER to load. So, I mainly use Gimp or Pixel -- Bibble Pro for RAW conversion.

Thanks, Mary.

[ladyups]

Aaaaahhhh... much better. I'm still learning the PP stuff. I don't use PS because I use Linux and whilst it will run on this machine, it takes forEVER to load. So, I mainly use Gimp or Pixel -- Bibble Pro for RAW conversion.

Thanks, Mary.

I'm glad you liked it Gary and that I didn't offend you. Is it too bright of a red? Since I don't really know what he looked like, I was just guessing. I've heard about Linux but never actually used it or know anyone that has it loaded on their computer that I could see. I have a forum friend from Texas that has used it and she liked it. I'm using XP Professional and like it a lot. I find no need to upgrade to the Vista and hope I will have a choice on my next machine.

Mary

[gjtoth]

I'm glad you liked it Gary and that I didn't offend you. Is it too bright of a red? Since I don't really know what he looked like, I was just guessing. I've heard about Linux but never actually used it or know anyone that has it loaded on their computer that I could see. I have a forum friend from Texas that has used it and she liked it. I'm using XP Professional and like it a lot. I find no need to upgrade to the Vista and hope I will have a choice on my next machine.

Mary

He is a tad too vivid. Needs a bit more blue (I think).

You'll have a choice on your next machine if you want to PAY for it. The trend I'm seeing is that MS wants to shove Vista down everyone's throat so, whilst they will probably continue to sell, support and license it, it will cost you more than Vista. Nice, eh?

Check out http://www.ubuntu.com It will open your eyes.