High contrast shots

Here are a couple of unadjusted RAW conversions (excepting white balance).
They aren't shots I want to keep, but I'm curious about the effect in the second image (close up) - it doesn't look real! I was really just mucking about,
but I'd love to hear some comments on this phenomenon - my error maybe or something else?
350D, Sigma 55-200..DC lens, 1/1000sec @f5.6, all other cam settings default.

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What ISO?
Seems higher ISO noise, and then you sharpened it a bit in RAW which not only sharpneded the image but also created strange artifacts from noise and edges are looking distorted a bit.

I have found adding any sharpness or detail extraction in the raw convertor brings out artifacts like those.

Looks like jpeg artefacts.
Are these in the original RAW image?
What compression did you save the jpegs when you converted?

Shot at ISO200. Ive made absolutely no adjustment to the RAW file, and the appearance is virtually identical to the converted image.
Heres the same crop from the recorded JPEG off-camera.
Saved at 59//100 quality

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Sure looks like its trying to sharpen...
What are you using to convert the RAW?
Can you try converting the RAW with any other software?

I'm using RAWshooter essentials, while I evaluate it - and Ive just discovered the reason behind it - 'apply sharpening' was ticked in the convertion options!

I thought something wasn;t quite right - but I wouldn;t have sussed it if you hadn't prompted me - thanks!!

Jim

try DPP, its best on keeping such artifacts down.

Thanks, I'll have a play about with it now!

Jim