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05/01/2005 07:00:39 PM · #1 |
Does anyone know of a problem with a D70 not focusing on anything? My close-up shots seem to be ok (portrait distance) but when I shhot a landscape it seems nothing is in really sharp focus. I have shot test after test at high shutter speeds, small aperatures and tripos mounted...nothing in the photo seems to be in sharp focus. Does this seem odd? Any suggestions? I have a raw image available if anyone would like to see it. text
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05/01/2005 07:02:52 PM · #2 |
Which lens?
When you do a test on a landscape, are you setting focus manually or using auto-focus?
Message edited by author 2005-05-01 19:03:47.
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05/01/2005 07:15:49 PM · #3 |
I used the 18-70 kit lens at 29mm 1/8 sec @ f25 auto focus. I tried to shoot focusing manually. I see a slight difference (better) but still not sharp in my opinion. In the auto-focus picture I just took I know where the camera was suposedly focused...but there is nothing in that area that I would consider sharp. Am I asking too much?
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05/01/2005 07:20:36 PM · #4 |
Are you using a tripod? 1/8 of a second is an awfully long time to try and keep the cam still.
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05/01/2005 07:20:53 PM · #5 |
with a 1/8" shutter, you need to either use the timer or a cable release to make the photo. Pressing the camera button can introduce shake.
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05/01/2005 07:21:42 PM · #6 |
f/25 is part of your problem. Above about f/16, you'll start to get softening due to diffraction. Try shooting at about f/11 or f/16. Also, with that long an exposure time, make sure you have a very steady tripod and use a remote release. Mirror lockup might be something to consider, but would prolly not make a noticeable difference at 19mm.
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05/01/2005 07:22:07 PM · #7 |
| or you can use the self-timer. hit the shutter and then leave the cam alone. |
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05/01/2005 07:31:09 PM · #8 |
Thanks everyone. I used a very steady tripod and a remote realase. Haven't gone as far as mirror lockup but like kirbic mentions, I didn;t think at 19mm it would be that noticeable.
Here is a link to the image:
//www.pbase.com/rick_bouthiette/image/42816933/large
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05/01/2005 08:07:47 PM · #9 |
I think it's the lens. I dug out an old Nikkor 50mm lens and using the manual mode i shot another photo. The result is much better.
Here is a link to the 50mm photo:
//www.pbase.com/rick_bouthiette/image/42817542
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05/01/2005 08:26:15 PM · #10 |
| i've gotten really sharp images from that lens. I think it's your using f/25 that's a big part of it. Also, raw images are meant to be soft because it is expected you will do sharpening in the post processing. If you want sharper images straight from the camera shoot jpegs and put the sharpening level on your preference. |
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05/01/2005 08:58:54 PM · #11 |
I can confirm much of what has been written here. f/25 could be a contributing factor, but the RAW format is definately a factor. As petrakka says RAW on the nikon will be soft anyway as the image from the sensor always needs to pass through a sharpening algorithm whether in camer (jpeg) or in post processing. In may not be so noticable on portraits as softer is usually preferable on standard portraits. Try shooting some jpegs on the landscape preset custom setting under the shooting menu and see if you get a better result - this will tell you if its just the RAW format.
Generally speaking I have found that lens to be pretty reasonable for a cheap kit lens. If there is a focussing error definately take it back as its a dud (nikon gives a lifetime worldwide warrenty on this lens).
One word on the mirror lock-up. The D70 doesn't have this function as far as I can see (one of the main drawbacks from the higher cost models). This is definately a problem if you shoot close up or with long (and heavy) telephotos as the mirror action is quite violent (particularly noticable with a long tele mounted on the lens collar). The best way to avoid this is to use a very sturdy tripod, and if you have troubles try to avoid shutter speeds in the range of about 1/8 - 1/30 (and if you want to risk stripping your tripod mount and have your camera crash to the ground try mounting the camera body directly on the tripod!).
These are just my experiences with the D70 after owning it for a few months. I have been very pleased with this camera (for a digital), but there are always limits. You are doing the right thing by pushing the limits so you know where the boundaries are. I hope you get much joy from the D70 as it is a fun camera to use. |
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