Please help

[kwclay]

I really hope someone can give me a little help here.

I have a D30 and a 70-200 f/4. Even though I've used all types of cameras ( MF, AF, Digital non SLR) I've only had this setup for a very short time.

I'm finding my photo coming out very soft. I don't think this is a technique problem. Even though I shoot handheld I also use a tripod and the results seem similar.

The lens is new and I haven't dropped it or anything.

I thought maybe there could be a post processing or compatibility problem going on here that I'm not aware of.

Any suggestions at all would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Ken

[defordphoto]

What are you using for post-processing? Post some samples.

[kwclay]

I'm using PS 6 and the only thing I have for raw format is canon's raw image converter and it seems very limited, all though I admit I don't have anything to compare it with. Has to be something better than this program.

Not sure how to attach a photo here. Try to figure it out.

Thanks
Ken

[robertwgross]

I think what you are saying is that you are not using any sharpening. That is OK. I believe that most users of the D30, D60, 10D, etc. have found that at least a modest amount of sharpening is really needed if you are trying to end up with a high resolution finished image.

How you want to do that sharpening is another matter. Some use the UnSharp Mask, and others use other sharpening tools. The exact parameters will vary from one image to another, so about all you can do is to experiment and see what works for you. Note that the amount of sharpening that might appear right for the screen is likely to be completely different from the amount that is right for a finished print of any particular size.

If you are only trying to create smaller low-res images for the web, then forget about sharpening.

---Bob Gross---