Digital cameras 101

[vmar]

I just received my new Canon Rebel xsi for Christmas and the images are not as sharp as my original 6.3 mp Rebel.  The test shots were all in automatic but have tried different settings, with and without image stabilization etc.  I took about 200 shots and nothing compares to my original rebel.  I've enlarged and the 6.3 is still sharper.  I feel silly but shouldn't the 12.2 be a much better quality than the 6.3?  That's the reason for the upgrade.  Please help as the time is ticking when the store will take this as a return.  I've seen other forums on xsi autofocus problems and have read them thoroughly.  Can anyone give me some pointers?  Should I return the xsi and get the 40D?  I'm not a pro (of course) but am doing this as a hobby and enjoy taking pics of my little kids.  Thank you.

[ShutterbugGail]

Hello vmar and welcome to the Q&A Board,

Sorry to hear about your frustrations. I think one of the reasons your XSi images don't appear as sharp is because it has a 12 MP sensor, double the amount found on your original sensors.

Images are not intended to be looked at 100% on a computer screen. If you reduce an image in size, it looks sharper. Add a little extra sharpening when editing, and it looks even better.

You may also be having some lens issues. Are you using the same lens on both cameras, or did you get the Kit lens with the XSi? The latter is said to be better because of the Image Stabilization. I'm very happy with the lens. If you're using fast shutter speeds, some recommend shutting IS off for even sharper images.

If you're unhappy with the XSi, by all means return it. But if you have time, take a look at some of the tips in my XSi blog and see if the suggestions help (don't forget to look at my suggested settings):

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/12/


Related reading:

Soft images and finding a lens "sweet spot."


http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/12/soft-images.php

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/12/dslr-focus.php


Here are some of the challenges of using a DSLR camera and lens:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/buying-guide/camera-types/dslr2.php

Another suggestion: If you're not already doing so, use single area focus mode for more accurate focusing. Try also to avoid using "green" mode; P Mode is better; Aperture or Shutter priority mode is preferred.

Always check the aperture because it affects depth of field that can make parts of images look blurred:

Aperture: http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-features/advanced-settings/aperture.php

[vmar]

Thank you for replying.  I'm using the kit lens but even swapping lenses it still doesn't look right.  I did try the center point focus and other settings.  I know some but not a whole lot and have been playing with it for hours.  An example is I took a picture in my backyard with both camera's.  Automatic everything, the rebel 6.3 is sharper than the xsi.  You can see more details in everything.  This is without enlarging.  I do use some manual settings but wanted to test it out fully automatic.  Then I did all kinds of adjustments and it didn't look any better.  Please don't think I sound crazy but I was under the impression that the pictures would be better quality with the 12.2 and I would be able to enlarge more.  I can see some obvious differences in the 2 cameras but when I have to grab the camera to get a quick point and shoot of my kids doing something funny then what is the difference with the newest rebel.  Do I make sense?  I use the other settings when creating special pictures but also use auto for quick pictures.  My sister in law suggested I should get the 40D but I'm not sure anything will beat my old camera.  Would you be able to explain this to  me?  Thank you so much. p.s. I printed the pictures on 4x6 and could quickly tell which camera was which. Meanwhile I'll read the links you sent.  thank you.

[ShutterbugGail]

First let me say that if you're having focus problems that can't be resolved with some of the suggestions that have been provided, consider returning or exchanging the camera. There have been some bad XSi copies reported and you may have one of them. Fortunately, like many others, I've had no problems with mine.

Please don't think I sound crazy but I was under the impression that the pictures would be better quality with the 12.2 and I would be able to enlarge more.

A 12 mp file allows you to crop more without a significant loss of image quality. And, yes, you should be able to make very large prints with more megapixels. However, a 12mp image doesn't look overly sharp when looked at 100% on a computer screen. A 12 mp image may indeed look less sharp than a 6 mp image. However, when reduced in size and printed, you should see little, if any, difference.

I'm assuming you do basic editing and after reducing an image in size (even at a proportion for a large print), slight sharpening should bring out detail.

I printed the pictures on 4x6 and could quickly tell which camera was which.

Hmmmm, if this is the case, then I suspect the problem is with the XSi.

Another thought, DSLRs let you adjust sharpening settings. Have you tried increasing the amount of in camera sharpening?

[vmar]

Thanks again for your reply.  I've tried changing the settings to sharp and it isn't working.  I'm going to go up to Future Shop and exchange it and see if it's the camera.  If it's the same, I'll stick with my 6.3 Rebel and wait until it no longer works and deal with getting a new camera when the time comes.  Thank you for your help and I did read your links.  It was interesting to read that it isn't always better to have more megapixels.  something I didn't know!  thanks again!

[ShutterbugGail]

It was interesting to read that it isn't always better to have more megapixels.  something I didn't know!

Unfortunately, it's something a lot of people don't know. And camera manufacturers and salespeople know it too. Since cameras have gotten so good, they keep adding more megapixels to woo people to their camera.

Now more megapixels is not necessarily a bad thing, but most people don't need more than six. My favorite camera ever, the Canon SD700IS, is only six megapixels. That is more than enough for me.

As stated, the exceptions are if you make huge prints or do a lot of cropping.