My first few shots (Again)

[HowlinWolf]

Out of focus images is not the same thing as camera shake, although with long focal lengths it's advisable to get all the support you can get.

When re-sizing images for web use, you need to sharpen the reduced image to compensate for all the data that's been lost in that particular process, but that's not your real problem. Check out your camera manual for autofocus operation. It should give adivice on how to use it to best advantage. As good as modern AF systems are, they're not infallible.

HW

[mh68]

Originally Posted by forevergreen

Hmm ill have to seeabout the focus problems im not sure why its happening but i think the image quality thing went bad because i had to make the picture smaller to get it on the archives. Perhaps the the subject is out of focus because i dont have a very steady hand? ill have to get a tripod on beanbag like you said

Your image quality has suffered due to the high ISO (800 in this case)...these cameras dont perform as well as DSLRs at high ISOs so try to keep this as low as possible for the best quality.Obviously you`ll get slower shutter speeds so a tripod or other support may be necessary to get sharp results.
If possible set the camera focus to spot focussing which is more accurate, and try to focus on the birds head/eye, half pressing the shutter to retain focus while recomposing the shot if necessary.

HW, remember we`re talking about the small sensor on a superzoom compact, not a DSLR which does indeed pick up lots of detail even in poor light. A flatly lit image in dull conditions at normal shooting distances wont yield the same fine detail with a superzoom as it would with a DSLR, or compared to a well lit image in better light.Its one of the restrictions of this type of camera, and the only way to get maximum detail in poor light with these cameras is to get very close to the subject, not often possible unless using a hide of sorts.Thats not just my opinion, but that of the majority of experienced superzoom users too.

Mark H

[big bill]

The newer shots are a big improvement on your first ones and I agree with all thats said above your exposure is slightly out you have over-exposed causing detail to start to burn out in the highlights ,again this can be corrected in your photo software,what do you use?

[forevergreen]

Originally Posted by big bill

The newer shots are a big improvement on your first ones and I agree with all thats said above your exposure is slightly out you have over-exposed causing detail to start to burn out in the highlights ,again this can be corrected in your photo software,what do you use?

I use the finepix viewer i have a fujifilm camera im not sure if thst sort of software is on it ill have to look i think phtoshop would help more there...

[stephen p]

Hello Buddy,

Your pictures have definately improved. How long have you had the camera?
Reason i ask is, when i started i made sure i knew how the camera worked inside out. It doesnt happen over night learning how your camera works, keep using it, learning all the settings etc.
And the most important parts to photographing wildlife is PATIENCE and RESPECT for your subject

I highly recommend this book aswell, gives you all you need to know.

Amazon.co.uk: Wildlife Photography (Lonely Planet How to): Books: Andy Rouse

[RantingSquirrel]

Hi, I echo what the others have stated. One note on your earlier pics is that they look a tad over exposed. I presume your camera may be set to 'evaluative'/matrix metering? If possible try and change it to centre weighted (I am unsure if you camera has spot metering) and only use the center focus point (not multiple). That should help exposures. If that fails in dial in negative exposure compensation (it should be called ev / exposure compensation on your camera) if your pics come out washed out, you may need to try it out a few times to determine how much compensation is requred.
Hope this helps

[forevergreen]

ive had the cam about 2 weeks saturday i suppose i should read the instruction manual.... should i take notes remember? i could take with me to read in car.... shorten that horrible wait before food in a restaraunt i think practise will help too..

[big bill]

You cannot be expected to remember everything about the camera if it helps to make notes then do so at the same time that you are writing them down you are mentally remembering it all but practice is the best form of learning and reading the manual inside out until it comes out your ears.
But you can see the differrance in your pics from when you first submitted well done keep at it

[Brocker]

Stay with it Forevergreen. Your photos are improving all the time. If I look at my first photos (I am a hoarder and don't delete anything ) I can see a massive difference and so can others so read, practice and be patient and it will all fall into place soon.