Yeah I know "it's a poor craftsman that blames his tools". But I've had this 40D since jan09, bought it used and just want to ease my mind it's my bad technique. I was shooting performers practicing for a fest in Singapore at one of the quays. Sun behind me, AI servo, iso 320, 17-84 f4.5 IS & CR-2. It just lacks clarity and depth and some actually show some grain! I'm thinking with the darkewr skin I should have gone +1/3-2/3 EV. All comments welcome.

Exif for #s 1, 2, & 3

# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/125 second = 0.008 second
# Lens F-Number/F-Stop = 2147483640/268435455 = F8
# ISO Speed Ratings = 320
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 85/1 mm = 85 mm


My guess as I'm not (1) familiar with Canon and (2) IS - you have blur from slow shutter speed and/or lens is at full extension, perhaps a bit soft there?



# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/400 second = 0.0025 second
# Lens F-Number/F-Stop = 2147483640/268435455 = F8
# ISO Speed Ratings = 320
# Metering Mode = spot (3)
# Focal Length = 38/1 mm = 38 mm


If this is not cropped, was the spot on the sky or the aerialists?


# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/320 second = 0.00313 second
# Lens F-Number/F-Stop = 2147483640/268435455 = F8
# ISO Speed Ratings = 320
# Metering Mode = spot (3)
# Focal Length = 59/1 mm = 59 mm


Also, you processed using Picassa - are the results consistent with those of other images taken with the camera? Can you take a CR-2 and run it through PS or something else as a comparison. I've used Picassa - great for general purpose but limited when you really need to go beyond the canned global adjustments.

hope this helps,

Bob

Thanks Bob, I can't say I'm blown away with Picasa and it is limited. I've been demoing Gimp and lightroom but can't decide what to buy. I do wonder if Picasa may be a factor. I was surprised at some of the grain though. robert

The Gimp is free

And I share your sentiments about Picasa - once beneath the veneer it is lacking, but for most P&Sers probably meets the need - and the price is right.

Bob

I love LR.
lylejk, frequently on this forum, is very familiar with GIMP and might help you answer questions about it.
Besides the need for faster shutter speeds, these images are often challenging exposures.
clarity and depth could be improved with a bit of curves work
lack of light on the faces is a problem. You could try some selective work with LR and I assume GIMP.
Dont rule out Photoshop Elements, if cost is a big consideration.

Scott

i

I suspect you may have a focusing problem, although the shutter speed for the first was a little slow for an action shot. The high lighting ratio for open sun makes it difficult to properly expose such images. If you expose for the faces in shadow, the highlights blow out. If you expose to retain detail in the highlights, it puts a premium on post processing and your PP tools might not be up to the task.

Thanks sbeme & AuntiPode, I certainly appreciate your comments. I'm also considering Elements as well. I had a very old Elements 3.0 and it failed on me; that's why I defaulted to Picasa for the time being.
auntiPode, I knew that would be an issue and probably should have blown the highlights huh? robert

There are two several problems I see - 1) too slow a shutter speed 2) where are you focusing, and 3) which exposure setting are you using. I suggest faster than 1/500, centre dot focussing, and center exposure for best results.

Rule of thumb for moving objects is >1/500.

Where was the focus point set? AI-servo keep focussed the area that is focussed on even when they move but if the focussed spot is the sky, it will not compensate. I usually turn on the centre focus dot so that it is easier to use with moving objects.

Centre exposure evaluation will most likely get the best exposure on subjects.

Scott

Thanks Scott, I did use center focus and AI servo and it still seemed to wander in focus. Thanks for picking up on that. I'm guessing my 1 big mistake was shutter speed. I must admit it was blazing hot, I was sweating and just happened up on this practice. my mind was abit foggy.