Camera Upgrade

The pictures look ok to me for that lens, #2 is a bit dark but still looks like a fairly good focus. Remember some or a lot of us are using good glass (lens) which makes a huge difference, also again most of us have good tripods (sturdy). These two items will effect the picture appearance even more so because we could or do use mirror lockup. Remember also any vibration problems would also be less noticeable at lower magnifications. Don't give up, practice over and over, best of luck.

That's true and I was kind of wondering about that, that I should get a better lens when I can. I haven't a clue if this tripod is any good, I bought it used and it says Image TE-75 on it, whatever name that is? Also, does Mirror Lockup make a big difference in image quality for long exposure?

In an earlier post you said you were using digital zoom. Turn that off and just use the lens in its normal mode. Digital zoom is a mathmatical trick that creates pixels that are not really what the lens gathers.

OK, I will try it with the lens again, soon as it get's dark I'm hitting the streets. I get excited when I go out shooting, not sure why but it's a good feeling. Thanks for all of your replies, you have all been very helpful !

Light Trails wrote in post #16205755
That's true and I was kind of wondering about that, that I should get a better lens when I can. I haven't a clue if this tripod is any good, I bought it used and it says Image TE-75 on it, whatever name that is? Also, does Mirror Lockup make a big difference in image quality for long exposure?

Try your tripod without opening the legs to max, leave the thin lower end closed and see if it helps with vibration, this is just a test for vibration so you don't waste money if you don't need to. Lens will make a huge difference but again at a cost, mirror lockup is better and removes any vibration during the shot. But don't toss what you have, as I have mentioned practice different setting see what works best for you and your equip now. We all started where you are now, it's time and experience that now gives us those sometimes great shots that you seek. Everyone here is willing to help or guide you if needed, please feel free to ask.

Light Trails wrote in post #16205811
OK, I will try it with the lens again, soon as it get's dark I'm hitting the streets. I get excited when I go out shooting, not sure why but it's a good feeling. Thanks for all of your replies, you have all been very helpful !

You are seeing the photo in your mind, this is good! That good feeling is why we do this stuff. Now, get out there and shoot!

@TJays OK, I will try that with the tripod and eventually I will buy a better lens, maybe within a month or 2. @w9trb Exactly, I was seeing the picture in my mind how I wanted it to turn out and in my mind it was much sharper lol.

Light Trails wrote in post #16205588
What software is the best for making those adjustments? I use Picasa sometimes and Photoshop.

Frodge is right, Lightroom is a very good option. But you already own Digital Photo Professional (DPP), which came with your camera. Check the CD-ROM.

Its interface is not much friendly, it does not manage collections, but is free and very powerfull.

w9trb wrote in post #16205777
In an earlier post you said you were using digital zoom. Turn that off and just use the lens in its normal mode. Digital zoom is a mathmatical trick that creates pixels that are not really what the lens gathers.

I believe that the OP meant "image magnification in the display" when he wrote "digital zoom". He was talking about live view, and the T3 doesn't have digital zoom.

I would also ask how are you viewing them? Are you zooming in @ 100% on your editing software, seeing the noise created by a long exposure? At the resolutions that you posted on your site, they look sharp and in focus, possibly flat overall scene, but still the clarity is there. I think all of the above posts have you going a great direction to put the final pop to your already good shots.

Uploaded a new pic on DA. Yea I got the camera software I could use, just giving LR a test run right now but I will try that out for sure. I am mainly using Windows Photo Viewer and Picasa to view my photos, should probably use something better lol. Still trying to figure that out though about the zooming and the magnifying and I thought the magnifying was digital zoom lol. When you take a photo, isn't image quality better when you are zoomed all the way out? What about magnifying, when and how should I use it? What does the magnifying actually do?

Light Trails wrote in post #16206330
Uploaded a new pic on DA. Yea I got the camera software I could use, just giving LR a test run right now but I will try that out for sure. I am mainly using Windows Photo Viewer and Picasa to view my photos, should probably use something better lol. Still trying to figure that out though about the zooming and the magnifying and I thought the magnifying was digital zoom lol. When you take a photo, isn't image quality better when you are zoomed all the way out? What about magnifying, when and how should I use it? What does the magnifying actually do?

If you are talking about zooming in on the lcd display, it allows you to verify your focus is on the area that you want the focus to be. After you get more comfortable with your camera, you might try Magic Lantern. It is mostly for video, but includes focusing aids that are simply amazing. I wish Canon would include them in the software, maybe someday they will.

On the new pic I uploaded with the bus trails, how do I get rid of that streetlight effect, like the way that it's got those big lines around it, lower aperture maybe? On other pics I don't see that at all. What is Magic Lantern exactly?

I would say bigger aperture or faster shutter. I think the bus trails came out good. Throw it in Lightroom and tweak it and you're done.

I like the starburst effect of the light. Just an opinion. I don't think you need a new camera btw.