Novice digital camera user - I need some input!

[Soundmanred]

I use an HP Photosmart M547 digital camera to take shots of my daughter mostly.
I used to use the camera I had at work, and it took MUCH better pictures.
Granted this camera was only $120 after tax, but it looks really bad.
Here's a few examples: (warning, pictures are large!)
Look at her shirt. It's supposed to be grey, not dithered brown/red, etc!
Same on this one with the chair and couch, both are splotchy, no detail at all.
I'm sure you'll see what I mean. Is this normal for a 6.2 MP camera? I've set it to all different quality settings and shooting modes, and nothing helps.
My next thread: Recommend a good digital camera that won't take pics like this!

 

[Fardringle]

I'm not a pro by any means, so please take my comments for what they are worth (not much, since they are just my opinion). Greater minds than my own will probably reply with more useful information soon.


The detail looks about right for a lower end point and shoot camera. It apears to me that the problem is that the camera is automatically using a high ISO for the low indoor light in those photos, and that is causing a lot of the noise that you are seeing as red and yellow/brown spots. I wouldn't normally expect that to happen when you are using the flash unless the room was very dark or the camera just isn't metering the light levels properly. You can clean quite a bit of that noise up with a noise reduction program like NeatImage, but unfortunately it will take a lot of the texture detail out of the chair as well since there is so much noise there.

If possible, try setting your camera manually to an ISO of 200 or lower instead of automatic. This may result in some shots where you need to hold the camera very still for a longer shutter speed to get enough light to the camera's sensor, but it will help reduce a lot of the image noise.


As far as a good quality point and shoot camera, I think most people around here would recommend Canon's SD series (SD850 in the $200 range, for example). I haven't used one myself but I have heard that they have very good image quality and pretty decent indoor/lower light results.

 

[Soundmanred]

There's no real adjustments on the camera, just "modes" for various lighting conditions, etc. It's a hundred dollar camera, so I'm not really surprised or disappointed.
I have a feeling I'll be buying a new camera soon!
I'll keep this one for outdoors on-the-run shots (it does take great shots in natural light), and get a better one for chronicalling my daughter's life.
I checked out the Canon and seems like people are impressed with it, so I'll start there.
Edit: Forgot to say thanks for your input! I do appreciate it!

 

[Krioni]

Also check the Fuji F-series... they are widely considered to be the BEST point-and-shoot cameras for low light (read indoor) conditions.

Particularly look for the f31d, f40d, f50d I've seen some of the results and they are amazing for such a small camera.

From looking at the pics, you are certainly running into some noise issues as has be noted. But, have you tried getting prints from these pics? I'd bet most of that noise would not show up at all when printed at 4x6 or 5x7.

Just my $0.02

 

[Soundmanred]

Yes, I get ALOT of prints from my pics and they do look fine for the most part.
The pics do get looked at alot online (alexandriahope.com) so I'd like them to look a little better on screen as well.

 

[Krioni]

Well, I'll stand by my recommendation to look into the Fuji F-Series cameras if you want a point-n-shoot.

....Some of the DSLRs have gotten so cheap that they're not *that* much more. That would give you many more options... but they're also bigger, etc.... blah blah blah... you have to decide if you want an SLR or not.

I got my Nikon D50 with lens for $320 shipped (used from ebay).

Good luck!

 

[punchkin]

I'd just go ahead and get a used SLR. You can pick one up these days for $300 or even less. Start with a cheap but decent prime, buy a cheap but decent flash, and keep your cheapo pocket camera for outdoors quick shots, and you'll be all set. If you do decide to do this, we can give you tips to avoid ugly flash from the get-go.