dickie2 Loc: Somerset, UK.

Hi all. I recently sold my Panasonic FZ150 to fund the purchase of a Nikon D5100. Mine came with the two "standard" kit lenses but I have to say I'm disappointed with the quality of the photos. I thought it might be my setting up but even on Auto the standard of pics is not up to that of the FZ150. Any advice on tweaking the camera -- Cheers Dick

Ferenco Loc: Swansea, UK

Check the meta data from your previous images and set these when you re shoot the new images. They should be about the same, depending on the light.

If not, post them up here and ask the forum members to give their analysis.

F

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Hey Doc ..... how bout a pic ..... I set my sharpening to 6 and Saturation to +3, I use base ISO never auto .....

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

This is a very common complaint from people who get new equipment. New camera, news lens - lousy pictures. Eventually, they get some tips, and the pictues are fine. You're not the only one with this camera and lenses, and most people are pleased with their results. Have you looked at the picture settings in your Menu? There are lots of choices for image appearance.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

I agree with everyone, we need to see a picture. I got a new lens for my trip out west 2 years ago. Lucky I got it early. Took me 2 weeks to get a picture I was happy with. Most of the problem was me. But I did add sharping for it in the camera. Now it has a hard time getting off the camera.:) Show us what you are not happy with.
And welcome to the site. Lots of great folks here to help out.
Erv

sudzmonn Loc: here , there , everywhere

the settings on the d5100 is set to 3 for sharpness in "SD" mode . Thats the mode I use. I just got the camera yesterday so I'm reading and searching to learn also . If you want to change your settings ~ ~ ~ ~
menu / shooting menue //set picture control /// choose what one you want to change, I chose "SD" and changed it from 3 to 6 ~

just my likings , yours may vary

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Hi

I recently purchased a D5100 and like you I was disappointed with the quality/sharpness of the pix I got until I adjusted the sharpness in the alphabet menus. The from-the-factory sharpness setting on my D5100 was 3. When I reset it to 7 I really like the pix. Now after a couple of other "tweeks" I really love the camera for what it is, an entry level camera. It's not my D300 but the pix it shoots are as good or better. It just doesn't have all the bells & whistles of the D300. Take care & ...

blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area

If your Panasonic camera had a Leitz-Leica lens that might be a part of your answer.

LaughBrian Loc: Tn

Should have went with Canon! lol joke make sure you update firm ware on any new camera.

Jerry Green Loc: Huntsville, AL

If you repost with the subject "Request help with D5100 image quality" you will get many more helpful responses. "Disappointed" is so vague that many members will not even look at it.

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

Hey Doc ..... show us what you've done so far .....

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

Go to Yahoo or Google. Do a camera specific search with this phrasing or key words:

Custom Settings Nikon D5100

I just did it and received a huge number of hits, all of which were people who actually own the camera, and their experience with settings. Some of them are actually review people with names you may recognize, and simply provide these tips as they review the specific camera.

I do this with all my new and new-used cameras, with great results.

The switch from a P&S or Bridge camera to a DSLR often brings out the posts such as yours. DSLR's are much more complex to receive good OOC shots, in exchange for other more obscure advantages.

Needless to say, entry level cameras in the DSLR line are a perfect means to move people up to better lenses. Both Canon and Nikon have some very good lenses they would like to move you up to. Hence often the "kit" lenses leave a lot to be desired.

The best lenses that come in the box with DSLR cameras are Olympus, but even they come in (packed w/cameras, HG and SHG). However, I have always found the entry level Olympus lenses outshoot any Canon and Nikon entry level.

You can surely improve your images with settings, but depending on your demand level for high Image Quality, the only way you may actually get where you want to be is spend up on the lenses.

Often in DSLR, this is the case. I have purchased Nikon DSLR's new and used, and canon's as well. In every case, my next purchase was a lens up the scale.

The reasons P&S and bridge camera's often "appear" to do better is because there is no upgrade path in lenses for them. There are however, other shortcomings, which I presume is your reason for going to DSLR. However, expecting better image quality with no massaging of the settings in the camera, AND with the kit lenses is an unfortunate expectation.

You'll get there, with research and some more serious money.

I have a friend who is quite happy with his 12Mp XSi, and two Canon L lenses, plus a relatively expensive 24mm f 1.8. Currently, starting with the XSi purchased at $700 (one lens kit) he has over $3000 invested (all new lenses purchased through Amazon) and has not used the kit lens since he shot about the first 100 images. also has HOURS spent on researching and testing settings in the camera.

Good luck.

rebride

There is also quite an adjustment to DOF when going from a 1/2.3" sensor to APS-C sensor.

dickie2 Loc: Somerset, UK.

Wow !! Thanks for your respones -- all very welcome and informative. I'll try tweaking the camera using some of your settings and get back to you. PS. saichiez --- you took some time with your post, I take your point about lens quality in bridge cameras. Again Im very grateful to all. Dick

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

Another reason I miss film cameras, very few adjustments to get good IQ. :(