Photo quality with D2X

[Rocko]

I took some photos with a nikon d2x in both full sunlight and inside. I'm having some issues with photo quality as some of the photos, notably the ones in sunlight) have very poor detail too them. I checked and the camera was saving them as jpeg (fine) and I switched it over to RAW but haven't had the chance to see if it made a difference.

Basically, what would seemingly be the issue? Thanks!

[KenJulio]

Almost a number of factors can produce a poor image. Sample and EXIF data and better description of poor details to them would help in my opinion

[Murph]

I have a D2X and could you post a little more data so we could help you out, or some sample photos?

[DougC]

We need to see some sample images to be of any help.

[Rocko]

The first one is inside
[IMG] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

And this one would be outside with the sun to the right and behind

[IMG] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

Everything was shot in priority mode. Now what I'm comparing these to are photos taken with a D300 in low light (noticeable grain up close) but they seem a bit more crisp when I go into photoshop with the photos.

This is the d300 photo.

[IMG] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

[Murph]

What lens? There seems to be some focus shifting on the D2X, make sure that you focus point is centered, and try again. Sometimes the D2X (like any camera) can hunt for focus, and I get the occasional misfocused shot myself. Also reset all of your settings on the menu to the base and then start playing around. Best of luck.

[tc95]

I would check your ISO too...you might be shooting too high...there is a lot of grain...check your WB - Skin tones are off...

#1 & 2 look really soft....Does your lens have haze of fungus...shine a flashlight inside the lens with it off and see if you have spotting...

# 3 looks like front focus the buckle is in better focus than the face...also looks soft too..again the lens...

Let us know what you find out...

[KenJulio]

Murph - looking at the exif data for the images, they were all shot with a 17-55 f2.8, ISO 640, metering, center weighted.

1. D2X, 1/25s, f2.8
2. D2X, 1/640s, f13.0
3. D300, 1/400s, f8 - not sure of the lens.

[Murph]

Thanks Ken, I did not know how to pull Exif down that is a good lens, and the ISO is not too high. Hmmmmm.

Originally Posted by ken74

Murph - looking at the exif data for the images, they were all shot with a 17-55 f2.8, ISO 640, metering, center weighted.

1. D2X, 1/25s, f2.8
2. D2X, 1/640s, f13.0
3. D300, 1/400s, f8 - not sure of the lens.

[David_3]

A couple of things that may help.

On the D2x, I always set the absolute lowest possible ISO, necessary to get the shot. Anything above ISO 320 on the D2x starts to produce way too much grain for me. This is especially true, if the picture is underexposed. Of course, a grainy picture is better than no picture, but the D2x is definitely not a high ISO camera. So if at all possible, keep the ISO set to 100, and I think you will be a lot happier.

I have never gotten very sharp pictures directly out of the D2x. Not when shooting RAW, and not even when shooting jpegs, and setting the sharpening set to high. I always have to do a certain amount of sharpening in Photoshop, to get the results I like.

So keep the ISO as low as possible, and sharpen the image in post processing, and I think you may like the results.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum!

[Rocko]

Hey thanks for all the awesome feedback guys it is much appreciated! I'll keep the tips suggested in mind and keep trying out the camera. Thanks for the welcomes as well.

[dmora]

High ISO + slow shutter = results posted.

D2X is a great camera but truly shines under "studio" environment.
IE: Good lighting. If you are looking for ambient light/low light shots you're going to need a faster lens, steady hands/tripod.

That being said there's nothing wrong with the D2x if you arent trying to compare it to say a D3x or a D700 for that matter. The D2x and the 17-55 is an awesome walking around day time combo. Or grab a 85/105mm and do some ridiculously awesome portrait work in a studio.