New Canon Body For Birds

[squishy]

More pegapixels will not give you less blurry photos, for certain.

In fact, if you're not using particularly sharp lenses, you might not even get more detail on higher megapixel images. The sensor can't record more detail if it isn't being resolved by the lens. What more megapixels do is mean that when you do get a sharp, well focussed shot, there will be more detail when you zoom in.


Do you use a tripod or monopod?

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by Sam_swfc123

Thank you for your comments.

The whole reason i am looking at a new body is because i went to RSPB Blacktoft Sands yesterday and took a fair amount of images and when i got back home and look at my images i noticed that about 50 of my 858 photos were actually decent whereas the other 800 photos that i took were very blury and rubbish. The birds are a bit more further out then some of the reserves i have been at Blacktoft. So i thought that it was the cameras fault because of the lack of megapixels on my 20D. Is this true or is it my Sigma 150-500mm lens instead or have i maybe got a setting wrong. Im not too sure. Ive only been photographing birds seriously for about 3/4 months and am trying to learn everyday while not at school, because i am only 16.

So please can you help me make the right decision, is it the Lack of Megapixels, or the lens, or is it just me or do i need more practice? Please help!?

Thank you for your help so far been amazing.

Kind Regards,
Sam Winslow

Thats not a bad hit rate

[Stevelphoto]

Originally Posted by Sam_swfc123

Thank you for your comments.

The whole reason i am looking at a new body is because i went to RSPB Blacktoft Sands yesterday and took a fair amount of images and when i got back home and look at my images i noticed that about 50 of my 858 photos were actually decent whereas the other 800 photos that i took were very blury and rubbish. The birds are a bit more further out then some of the reserves i have been at Blacktoft. So i thought that it was the cameras fault because of the lack of megapixels on my 20D. Is this true or is it my Sigma 150-500mm lens instead or have i maybe got a setting wrong. Im not too sure. Ive only been photographing birds seriously for about 3/4 months and am trying to learn everyday while not at school, because i am only 16.

So please can you help me make the right decision, is it the Lack of Megapixels, or the lens, or is it just me or do i need more practice? Please help!?

Thank you for your help so far been amazing.

Kind Regards,
Sam Winslow

Hi Sam,

More practice. It won't cost you much but might well save you a fortune!
All too often on internet forums you see people blame their gear and then fork out £100s when ultimately it is their fault.
We all get blurry shots I'm sure, but to increase your keep rate, it's important to know the limitations of your setup. After a while of using it ,you'll probably be able to tell when a subject is too far for a shot, or when the light is too poor.
What's more, familiarity with the optimum settings for your camera/lens will probably up the keep rate; I'm not familiar with your lens, but once had a sigma quite like it and it performed best when stopped down to f/8.
Finally, it may be worth putting your images on a photo website for feedback - e.g. flickr, forums etc. These may just give you a nudge in the right direction.

Hope that helps,
Steve.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Boddie

Thats not a bad hit rate

My thoughts as well. I've just checked on my last outing, I'd have been thrilled to have got 50 half decent shots.
Another point, it's certainly not his camera that's the problem. My 20D produces excellent shots. It's far more likely just a matter of expecting more than is really possible from the situation. Distance kills detail, you really need to be close to get really clear detailed images.

[Ollie]

I would say you had done pretty well to get 50 decent photos. I know Blacktoft Sands reserve and the birds are really just that bit too far away even for a 500mm lens.

I would definitely say you are stretching your lens to it's limits and beyond hence the blurry photos.

[Sam_swfc123]

Okay thank you everyone been so helpful. And Squishy i did you a tripod in the hides at Blacktoft. Think i will hang on to my money or maybe get a 40 or 50D for christmas. Thank you all again, i will carry on practicing

Regards,
Sam Winslow