Nikon D5100: Is there a sharpness problem?
Apr 11, 2012 03:37:17 #
I am working with a friend who recently bought a Nikon D5100. The kit lens and the AF Nikkor 50mm 1:1:8 D lens do not give a sharp result. I am attaching two comparison shots taken with the 50 mm lens on D50 and D5100 bodies. The D50 appears sharper. The downloaded files highlight the differences better than those in the post.
What do you think? Is this the best the D5100 can do or is something wrong with it? Are we missing something? What would you do?
Thanks for the help.
What do you think? Is this the best the D5100 can do or is something wrong with it? Are we missing something? What would you do?
Thanks for the help.
Trees, D50
Trees, D5100
Bush, D50
Bush, D5100
Apr 11, 2012 05:05:39 #
In both cases, the D5100 photos have clearly been given more exposure. I would trust my vision more had both examples been exposed the same.
Interesting idea though. I recently purchased the D5100 and will be making my own resolution tests, but won't be able to do a "side by side". Thank you very much for posting yours!
Interesting idea though. I recently purchased the D5100 and will be making my own resolution tests, but won't be able to do a "side by side". Thank you very much for posting yours!
Apr 11, 2012 05:24:48 #
The exposures from the 5100 are over exposed, which results in a loss of high light detail. Also, the white balance is set too cool causing the color to be off.
Apr 11, 2012 09:03:56 #
I know the exposures and color balance are different. I judge the sharpness by looking at the branches and other sharp edges assuming these are unaffected by those parameters.
Apr 11, 2012 09:26:37 #
abc1234 wrote:
I know the exposures and color balance are different. I judge the sharpness by looking at the branches and other sharp edges assuming these are unaffected by those parameters.
What setting were used when comparing cameras? It looks as if the 5100 has soft focus. But were the shots taken using a tripod? If a tripod was used was the VR turned off? I believe there is a thread on UHH covering this subject.
Apr 11, 2012 10:05:39 #
docrob
Loc: Durango, Colorado
abc1234 wrote:
I know the exposures and color balance are different. I judge the sharpness by looking at the branches and other sharp edges assuming these are unaffected by those parameters.
sharpness is also effected by contrast so when you over expose you lose contrast hence you lose a bit of sharpness -
the assumption you made was wrong. The camera and lens are fine
Apr 11, 2012 10:08:53 #
The advice about the contrast is dead wrong.
You missed focus big time on that D5100.
the branches in back are more focused than the birdhouse.
It also looks like there was movement.
What were the settings on each shot with each camera?
You missed focus big time on that D5100.
the branches in back are more focused than the birdhouse.
It also looks like there was movement.
What were the settings on each shot with each camera?
Apr 11, 2012 10:21:37 #
Here are the exposures:
D50 2 was f/8, 1/250. The others were f/7.1, 1/200. Auto exposure, zero compensation, pattern metering. I see the same sharpness problem on all photos. I wonder if the auto-focus might be a problem. These were hand-held.
D50 2 was f/8, 1/250. The others were f/7.1, 1/200. Auto exposure, zero compensation, pattern metering. I see the same sharpness problem on all photos. I wonder if the auto-focus might be a problem. These were hand-held.
Apr 11, 2012 10:23:14 #
docrob
Loc: Durango, Colorado
rpavich wrote:
The advice about the contrast is dead wrong.
You missed focus big time on that D5100.
the branches in back are more focused than the birdhouse.
It also looks like there was movement.
What were the settings on each shot with each camera?
You missed focus big time on that D5100.
the branches in back are more focused than the birdhouse.
It also looks like there was movement.
What were the settings on each shot with each camera?
oh silly me - that must have been a comment made with my glasses off
Apr 11, 2012 10:50:55 #
abc1234 wrote:
Here are the exposures:
D50 2 was f/8, 1/250. The others were f/7.1, 1/200. Auto exposure, zero compensation, pattern metering. I see the same sharpness problem on all photos. I wonder if the auto-focus might be a problem. These were hand-held.
D50 2 was f/8, 1/250. The others were f/7.1, 1/200. Auto exposure, zero compensation, pattern metering. I see the same sharpness problem on all photos. I wonder if the auto-focus might be a problem. These were hand-held.
I can see that.
The branches in the background look sharper than the birdhouse.
AF does fail when it gets confused and if you are using multiple focus points it can focus on the unintended object.
Apr 11, 2012 11:10:14 #
rpavich wrote:
The branches in the background look sharper than the birdhouse.
AF does fail when it gets confused and if you are using multiple focus points it can focus on the unintended object.
AF does fail when it gets confused and if you are using multiple focus points it can focus on the unintended object.
I agree with you but this has been a problem over a number of days and with a zoom lens. I would think the error you are talking about would be random but the problem is more systematic and consistent. Also, the D50 has the bird house and branches behind in focus; the D5100 does not.
Apr 11, 2012 11:33:37 #
abc1234 wrote:
quote=rpavich The branches in the background look... (show quote)
Well..I just said what it seemed to be...I didn't comment how long it's been going on.
Try manual focusing and compare.
Also the depth of field is another issue entirely.
Are they the same identical sensor size?
Apr 11, 2012 11:41:01 #
Apr 12, 2012 05:39:38 #
I also have a d5100 no problems wth sharpness.
My you need a smaller f stop .Posting the camera settings
would help
My you need a smaller f stop .Posting the camera settings
would help
Apr 12, 2012 06:45:13 #
If you want to measure sharpness and focus, you need to use tripod and shot something FLAT. 90% of the time focus has more to do with the person holding the camera than the equipment.
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