Digital photo experts, why do my pics look like crap *PICS*

[MustISO]

I've had a Minolta S414 for about two months now. The autofocus seems to be complete crap. It will focus correctly and then it seems like it softens the shot just a touch right before it sets the focus. Every picture I take looks soft.

The flash is driving me crazy. I can't seem to take any good shots inside when there's lots of light. The flash goes off no matter what. If I use the auto-flash I get these halo or lens flare objects in the picture. I never had this problem with my crappy old dig camera.

BTW, I'm using 1600x1200 fine, if that makes a difference.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Crusty]

Samples?

 

[Analog]

:camera:'s

 

[MustISO]

I have to wait until I get home. I'll upload a few so you can get an idea what I'm talking about.

 

[LS20]

Originally posted by: MustISO
I've had a Minolta S414 for about two months now. The autofocus seems to be complete crap. It will focus correctly and then it seems like it softens the shot just a touch right before it sets the focus. Every picture I take looks soft.

The flash is driving me crazy. I can't seem to take any good shots inside when there's lots of light. The flash goes off no matter what. If I use the auto-flash I get these halo or lens flare objects in the picture. I never had this problem with my crappy old dig camera.

BTW, I'm using 1600x1200 fine, if that makes a difference.

Any help would be appreciated.

faulty cam causes off focusing? send it in for repair
lens flare... too many elements in the lens... unavoidable..get another cam?

theres different modes of exposure and focus metering... one determines focus and exposure on the central object of your camera, one might use the entire coverage area, and so on and so forth. learn how they work to better meter your shot. flashes always make pics crappy. i turn mine off most of the time except when i need fill flash... so in essence i manually operate my camera.

learn more about photography. its the only way to take better photos

 

[MustISO]

This pic has a ton of grain in it

Lens flare, halo effect

 

[pulse8]

The first pic looks like it's either too low light or the ISO is set too high.

The second one I'm not so sure about, but why are they both out of focus?

 

[tkdkid]

If my camera ever took a picture like the second one (exercise room), I would return it or send it in for repair immediately. That's unacceptable.

The first one could be several things...improperly functioning autofocus, shutter speed too slow, or unsteady hands.

 

[Richdog]

Turn the flash off, there is a button that will let you surpress it. In fact, read the bloody manual, it might help a little. How can you complain of bad pics and not knowing the camera functions when you havent even read up about it?:beer:

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: tkdkid
If my camera ever took a picture like the second one (exercise room), I would return it or send it in for repair immediately. That's unacceptable.

The first one could be several things...improperly functioning autofocus, shutter speed too slow, or unsteady hands.

They'd probably laugh at you, that's from dust in the air.

Viper GTS

 

[waylman]

Originally posted by: MustISO
This pic has a ton of grain in it

Lens flare, halo effect

those look terrible, how many megapixels is your cam?

 

[GTaudiophile]

Looks like the ISO is jacked up with a low shutter speed.

Pretty bad.

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: tkdkid
If my camera ever took a picture like the second one (exercise room), I would return it or send it in for repair immediately. That's unacceptable.

The first one could be several things...improperly functioning autofocus, shutter speed too slow, or unsteady hands.

They'd probably laugh at you, that's from dust in the air.

Viper GTS

No kidding. Similar example

 

[ComputerMonkey]

Originally posted by: Richdog
Turn the flash off, there is a button that will let you surpress it. In fact, read the bloody manual, it might help a little. How can you complain of bad pics and not knowing the camera functions when you havent even read up about it?:beer:

I have to agree. If you don't know how to turn the flash off you probably have some reading to do. There's also all kinds of good basic photographic advice in most camera manuals that will help you take better pictures. It's not all boring stuff about what button does what.

 

[isekii]

I hope you're not using digital zoom when you take your pictures.

 

[sillymofo]

If I'm not mistaken, the camera is a 4 MP camera. How did you take the picture? Did you do the half-depress-shutter button trick and allow the camera to auto focus BEFORE you actually take the picture? What was the camera setting? Indoor, outdoor, florescene, macro, etc...? How long have you had the camera?

Not wanting to be a smart ass, but have you read through the manual? It's your friend! If you have done every thing correctly and still come out with pix like that, get another cam.

 

[MustISO]

The camera is a Minolta S414 4MP.

I have read the manual. I've been using the camera on Auto since I don't know a lot about the manual functions. The only thing I've played with is the "Subject Program" button which "...optimizes white balance, exposure and image processing".

My last camera was a 1.3MP Olympus which has almost no features. Everything was very consistant since it didn't have any advanced features. So far I haven't used the camera outside so I don't know how the performance would be with outdoor shots.

 

[Nocturnal]

Upgrade to a Canon Digital Rebel 300D Then you'll be extremely happy and joyful!

 

[MustISO]

Originally posted by: cr4zymofo
If I'm not mistaken, the camera is a 4 MP camera. How did you take the picture? Did you do the half-depress-shutter button trick and allow the camera to auto focus BEFORE you actually take the picture? What was the camera setting? Indoor, outdoor, florescene, macro, etc...? How long have you had the camera?

Not wanting to be a smart ass, but have you read through the manual? It's your friend! If you have done every thing correctly and still come out with pix like that, get another cam.

Yep, I do the half-press, focus lock and then all the way down.

If someone around here sold them in-store, I'd go buy another one and see if it's my camera. If it's just the way the S414 is, then I need to get another camera.

 

[Ornery]

I think there's crap on your lens! Your autofocus is focusing on that. Wipe it clean and try it again.

 

[MustISO]

I've considered a dirty lens as well. The camera has been carefully cared for and I don't see anything on the lens but I'll get some eyeglass cleaner and see if that does anything.

 

[tkdkid]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: tkdkid
If my camera ever took a picture like the second one (exercise room), I would return it or send it in for repair immediately. That's unacceptable.

The first one could be several things...improperly functioning autofocus, shutter speed too slow, or unsteady hands.

They'd probably laugh at you, that's from dust in the air.

Viper GTS

Oh, well not being in the room I couldn't tell. Obviously if I were choking on the dust as I attempted to take a picture I would've figured that out on my own.

 

[tkdkid]

 

[BAMAVOO]

My s414 takes wonderful shots, indoors and out. It is not very good at indoor lighting and manual control is best. Play around with the manual settings and you will fall in love with this camera. You outdoor pics will bring better results right away, even in auto mode. Hell I gave my wife a 5 minute lesson in auto and she took some great pics at the zoo with the kids.

You lens is dirty as hell. Get a cleaning kit and use it.

 

[MustISO]

If it were dusty you'd think I would be able to see some dust with all of the lights down there. There's more than 20, 65W flood lights.