First attempt

My first day birding. I definitely need some help. The results aren't exactly what I was hoping for. I'm assuming it's for some of the following: low light / Rebel XS poor high ISO performance, not enough reach / low pixel density of XS, poor PP, and maybe camera shake. Problem is i'm such a noob I don't even really know exactly how each would effect the image so I'm not sure how to fix. This is especially true with pp, I'm a super noob when it come to that (I use aperture).

FWIW I'm looking to upgrade to the 7D and 400 5.6L in the near future. But am hoping to learn as much as possible until then with my current setup. Thanks in advance for CC.


100-300mm f/5.6 L; 290mm - ISO 800 - f/7.1 - 1/400

In #3 the branch is pretty sharp the House Sparrow is not. I think you should shoot higher shutter speeds. That will reduce camera shake and freeze those jittery little birds. I/1000 or higher. It is a lot of fun. Keep on practicing.

Thanks, I will try this.

From # 3 it seems nothing wrong with lens / camera, just try to shoot with center AF Point only

Yep, higher speeds will help, and careful technique in shooting (bracing the camera and lens for minimal shake, squeezing the shutter trigger carefully, etc.). But it's a good start, as seen in #3. Keep shooting!

akhan wrote in post #11050786
From # 3 it seems nothing wrong with lens / camera, just try to shoot with center AF Point only

jgrussell wrote in post #11051615
Yep, higher speeds will help, and careful technique in shooting (bracing the camera and lens for minimal shake, squeezing the shutter trigger carefully, etc.). But it's a good start, as seen in #3. Keep shooting!

Thanks guys. I'm gonna give it another go today. Better lighting out, so I'll try faster shutter speeds.

I would hold off on the 7D until you master this one
Why the 800 ISO? Gives you more noise.and if the bird is still, try 400.
Focus really needs to be sharpened..are these crops?
Keep clicking, and take your time...

Flo wrote in post #11052619
I would hold off on the 7D until you master this one

Really looking for better build quality, Iso performance, and 5x my current fps. I'm sure I'll enjoy the AF too. FWIW glass will be acquired first.

Flo wrote in post #11052619
Why the 800 ISO? Gives you more noise.and if the bird is still, try 400.

Felt like I neeeded Iso 800 for light. One of the reasons I'd like to upgrade body.

Flo wrote in post #11052619
Focus really needs to be sharpened..are these crops?
Keep clicking, and take your time...

100% crops. Thanks.