Sharpness ???

Hi,

I recently got a 10D, three lenses (17-40, 28-135 IS, 75-300 IS), and a 420EX. I find that I have to post process alot of pictures to correct sharpness. Is this common or are there simple things I'm missing that could fix this.

I generally try to shoot at shutter speeds equal to the focal length when shooting without a flash, so I don't think it is camera shake. When I shoot with my flash I most often shoot in program mode (1/60 sec), and sometimes shoot in AV mode with custom function set to 1/200 sec. I also set the sharpness in the parameters menu to +2.

Let me know what you think.

1. One of the "simple things" you're missing is that, with out some EXIF or other data, we can't even begin to figure out where to start helping you. Are you shooting jpg (size) or RAW?
2. "shutter speeds equal to the focal length" doesn't always work. Cam shake, subject movement, etc are factors, too. So, post a FEW pics, & RTFM the "Sticky" to 'Share' & 'Critique' so we don't have to keep typing these requests for more info.

Photoguy's comments aside, digital capture with a CMOS sensor--by it's very nature--is "soft." If you are shooting RAW format it will be more noticable, because there is no in-camera sharpening done. It will also be more noticable if you are shooting JPEG with sharpening set at -2...

The crop factor of the 10D dictates that shutter speed should be Length * 1.6. But that all depends on you. Some people can hold it steady at 1/2 lens length, others need twice lens length...

If you think it might be camera shake then take a shot, and then enable timer mode, mirror lock-up, set the camera on a tripod and take the same photo, and compare the two.

But as Steven said, digital pics tend to be a bit soft and need more sharpening. But if you're at +2 then I think it might be something else.

Just to expand on what Scottes said: if you're using a 50mm lens the recommended minimum shutter speed is 1/50th of a sec. 100mm needs 1/100th of a sec. Some people can get away with 1/25 for a 50mm lens, some need 1/100th.