Help me decide if something is wrong. (with pics)

[ccheever]

So lately I have been noticing that my pictures are not as crisp as I think they should be. I know I shouldn't do it, but when I pixel peep at 100% the images are very soft and seem to have too much noise. See the example below.

Here is the full image, taken with 30D, 17-40, F/9, ISO 500, 37mm.
http://ct.pbase.com/o6/46/251746/1/70743180.NcWruk42.IMG_2870.jpg

Then here is a 100% crop of his face.

http://ct.pbase.com/o6/46/251746/1/70743189.2pc4h63p.IMG_2870_crop.jpg

So is this normal? I know it was shot at ISO 500, which was my mistake, I didn't check it before shooting. But is that what all the noise is from? any ideas?

Thanks.

[Jon]

It looks a tad underexposed; that'll make any picture look noisy. As for sharpness - have you done any post-processing on it?

[ccheever]

Ok, the images are acting weird for me, so here are the direct links.

http://ct.pbase.com/o6/46/251746/1/70743180.NcWruk42.IMG_2870.jpg

http://ct.pbase.com/o6/46/251746/1/70743189.2pc4h63p.IMG_2870_crop.jpg

[ccheever]

oh yeah, forgot to say, no PP has been done.

[ccheever]

I just want to know if this is normal, I'm fairly good at PS so I have no problems editing them to look the way I want. But if this is not normal then I want to get it fixed.

[Jon]

What were you focussed on, and how?

[goforphoto]

Iwould say with a 30d even at 800 iso you should get a smoother image. Granted it depends alot on the lens though. Are all of your images like thins or just the ones taken with this lens?

[ccheever]

Iwould say with a 30d even at 800 iso you should get a smoother image. Granted it depends alot on the lens though. Are all of your images like thins or just the ones taken with this lens?

I will have to do a little research on that. Im not sure, I usually dont pixel peep.

[ccheever]

What were you focussed on, and how?

Jon, i focused on her face, but she was just as fuzzy.

[Jon]

Which focussing point?

[goforphoto]

Check your other lenses, if they don't produce the same defect your lens may need calibration.

[ccheever]

Which focussing point? I used center point. Then recompossed.

[Jon]

That's not a good plan when you're very close (as you were) to the subject, since the distance alters significantly. In short, you moved the focus probably 8 inches to a foot (or more) back from the subject when you recomposed. Try selecting an AF point closer to the desired point of focus and use that. For instance, you might have chosen the extreme top (in portrait orientation) AF point and focussed on the man with minimal or no need to recompose.

Oh, and there's no EXIF data. Shutter speed? At least 1/60 I hope?

[ccheever]

I will have to try that i guess, I didnt think it would make that big of a difference, but that will be an easy fix if it is the problem. Also, SS was 1/200

[JaGWiRE]

That's not a good plan when you're very close (as you were) to the subject, since the distance alters significantly. In short, you moved the focus probably 8 inches to a foot (or more) back from the subject when you recomposed. Try selecting an AF point closer to the desired point of focus and use that. For instance, you might have chosen the extreme top (in portrait orientation) AF point and focussed on the man with minimal or no need to recompose.

Oh, and there's no EXIF data. Shutter speed? At least 1/60 I hope?

Is that because of focusing distance? If you were shooting at infinity that would not come into play while doing a landscape shot or something, right?

[moshe3242]

Hey, I have the exact same problem, so I guess I am not alone.
I use the 28-135 IS and the kit lens and I have that problem that when I am not filling the frame with one subject and I take group pictures my pics look exactly the same at 100%
I dont know what cause it but thats how it is.
the thing is, that when I take a portrait and I fill up the frame with the subject, it comes out much crispier and sharper even in 100% crop.
if you ever solve this problem please share

[OS220sl]

If you think it is a focus problem set the lens on MF then shoot. Then bracket a few exposures changing the focus ahead and behind just a tad. If you duplicated the original with one of the test shots you will know the problem. Same exposure of course. Also use the same focus point that you use when you have the camera set on AF. If it is an under or over exposure problem then this is no help. At least you have narrow down the problem.

JON

[SkipD]

It looks a tad underexposed; that'll make any picture look noisy.I agree. To me, the image in the original post looks underexposed by at least a stop or so.

I do not think there was focusing issue - just the noise caused by the underexposure.

[Tareq]

do more tests.
I tested my lenses before such as 24-70 and i always got soft smooth shots, now i don't have any problem with all my lenses.
do more tests with same lens or different lenses and becareful of your settings and see the results.
I hope you can use flash if so.

[SeanH]

Underexposed, and lack of contrast can make a photo at that ISO look that way.

Use your histogram, and use your exposure comp, I haven't had a Canon DSLR that I have not used at least 1/3 over on 99.99% of my shots.......10D+1/3, 3 20D's +1/3, Mk2N +1/3, 5D......I actually had to go a 1/2 on that camera. But regardless of the amount you need to use it to adjust for shots like that......it's part of getting to know your camera. For example when I shoot parties, or family stuff (in dark settings) I know I will get 98% of my shots perfect if I have my camera set to +1/3, and my 580 flash set to +2/3rd's.........sounds like it would be alot but it works perfect.

Bottom line is you have to find "the sweet spot".

And as far as your photo.......anything with that low of contast will look soft ( keep in mind that's what USM actually does...adds contrast), combine the fact that it's underexposed and that will show more noise.

At least from my experience that would be my guess.

[Dante King]

I agree. To me, the image in the original post looks underexposed by at least a stop or so.

I do not think there was focusing issue - just the noise caused by the underexposure.

If you are using CS and auto exposure correction is on, I would bet all I got that Skip is right. To me tis looks like classic noise from under exposure correction.

[ccheever]

If you are using CS and auto exposure correction is on, I would bet all I got that Skip is right. To me tis looks like classic noise from under exposure correction.

I have always had all the "autos" turned off. But I am starting to agree with everyone that the problem is underexposure. I did a shoot today and the images looked a little better, but still not exactly what I think they should be. I will be heading to Roberts tommorow with my 30d and CF card to do two of the same shot with my camera and one with theirs for comparison. thanks for everyones help.