The autofocus version looks fine to me, though the live view one might be a bit sharper (this is not that unusual considering the level of precision that can be achieved with maginified live view and a steady subject.) I personally would be satisified with either result, and I am fairly picky. The only thing I would say here is that you might want to redo the test wide open (at f4) since the extra depth of field introduced by f/9 could hide any focus issues.
Basically, it seems to me like camera and probably the lens as well are both fine and plenty sharp. You may just need a little more experience using the gear.
EDIT: you added the last post before mine while I was typing this, so I will add a comment for that one as well. The results there look fine. You just need to up the sharpness a few notches again like you did in the test before it. Just a few notches, though. Do not use the max setting, as sharpening artifacts become very evident. It has been said many times now, but the neutral style's default sharpening is very low (or nonexistent, not sure how it processes the value for jpeg.) ALL images need sharpening. The Neutral style assumes you will be doing your own sharpening in post.
Matt Philbin wrote:
I agree with Elton & mulengak above me. I'd like to see the same type of test shot taken outdoors in decent lighting. If you are unsure of the RAW processing part, I'd be happy to help. Take a better shot, and email me the CR2 file (email on bottom of post). I'll run it through a simple processing & conversion and either post or return the photo to you. Either way, don't blame the equipment just yet.
I just sent you an email with CR2 files. Let me know after post-processing.
sath2003, sorry but imo your tests don't conclude anything about the AF accuracy because you photographed at f/9. f/9 has very deep dof, it's better to go f/4 at 105mm on the 24-105, and use f/1.4 for the 50 f/1.4
But your crops do look ok for the lenses at those apertures
There seems to be no issue with your camera. You just need to practice a little more using a scenario with more contrast (go 3D ). Go out and shoot the universe, soon you will start realizing what works and what not. Do not compare the pictures right at of the camera to post-processed images until you learn how to process yours. All the images you see here and everywhere are processed and some sort of sharpening has been applied. Frankly I don't apply any in camera sharpening. I prefer post-sharpening because it enables me to keep a copy of the original image.
I have downloaded and looked at your Cr2 files. I assume your focus point was the sign posted on the black fence. I'd say that what you've got is about as good as it gets from that distance and that focal length. Only the slightest amount of sharpening applied in Canon's software improves the image, but not well enough to see a sign clearly that was probably at least 35' away (and a small sign at that). Feel free to post your versions of these of you want. I'd agree with the others that you've got some good equipment, and now you get to enjoy using it. Keep in mind that if you're used to seeing images here, that they are something to aspire to...not something to expect just because you now have $1800 in equipment. Many of us have many times that number invested in gear, and don't think for a second that every shot that comes off the memory card is frame and wall-ready. I'd suggest finding your own style, and your own favorite subjects to shoot, and then entering that specific forum here for help and critiques. You just can't be here for long without learning something. Cheers!
I sincerely appreciate all your responses. You have really made my day. I haven't found such a support anywhere else. Now I can sit back and relax at my new found confidence in my gear. I cant wait to shoot it with 70-200mm f4L IS I just bought. Thanks once again.
). Go out and shoot the universe, soon you will start realizing what works and what not. Do not compare the pictures right at of the camera to post-processed images until you learn how to process yours. All the images you see here and everywhere are processed and some sort of sharpening has been applied. Frankly I don't apply any in camera sharpening. I prefer post-sharpening because it enables me to keep a copy of the original image.