dsims1960 Loc: Texas

How do I get these bird pictures plan and sharp like several other people do. I was shooting with a Nikon d5600 and the lens is a Stigma 100mm-600

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Action #1 - ask for help - check

Action #2 - store examples of your current results with original EXIF - incomplete

Are these both your images? Or, one is / one isn't? Or, none, just examples of what is desired?

Show us what you're able to accomplish currently, store the files, for review and discussion.

dsims1960 Loc: Texas

Both of these are pictures I took

dsims1960 Loc: Texas

I apologize if I’m not posting on this site correctly. Really not sure how it works so if anyone has suggestions please let me know. Because I don’t know what Original EXIF-incomplete means. I’m not a photographer but love taking really good pictures

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

Shutter Speed. Check this forum under different headings for help with this.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Digital cameras record data about the date / time / lens / camera / exposure into data stored within the resulting image files, known as EXIF data. When you check the box 'store original' as highlighted above, that image data (EXIF) is available within the attached image file for inspection and discussion.

You can create a <Reply> and re-attach both images as done before, just making sure to 'check' the box to store those files as attachments for inspection of the camera settings in the EXIF.

dsims1960 Loc: Texas

Thanks

dsims1960 Loc: Texas

Hopefully I posted my message correctly this time. LOL. I see so many other photos that people take and they are so plan and sharp. I was just wondering what I could do. I have the Nikon d5600 and used the sigma 150mm-600mm lens for these pictures

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BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

Hi dsims, it looks to me like you are off to pretty good start. I hope I understood your intent correctly and hope this helps.
I’m no expert but here are some of the things I do when shooting birds.
I usually try to keep the sun and wind somewhere behind me and shoot within a few hours of dawn or dusk. I always try to shoot when full sun is on at least one eye and I try to get that eye as the center of focus.
I almost always use a tripod and gimbal and if the bird will cooperate I use a 2second delay on shutter release.
(A boatload of good photogs vehemently disagree with this strategy but it works for me)
Get Closer! I use a hide when I can. You almost can’t get close enough and if bird feeders are in your repertoire I say use them.
The more you learn about the exposure triangle the better you’re shots will be.
Have fun and keep posting!

dsims1960 Loc: Texas

Thanks!!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You posted the images exactly as needed. Thank you. Below are an analysis of the EXIF data as a basis of discussion. For the two I looked at, as well as the third example, the most pressing issue is to get closer to the subject. All the exposure parameters are exactly / almost exactly as I'd use too for similar subjects.

When comparing your images to others, you need to recognize some / most / all these technical aspects apply to their work:

1) They were physically closer to their subject.
2) They had a longer effective focal length for their lens, even longer than your longest 600mm.
3) They captured in RAW.
4) They had a higher resolution camera than your 24MP D5600.
5) They processed their images using the most advanced software and sharpening / noise reduction techniques.
6) They increased the pixel resolution of their images on their computer.
7) They used overall sharper lenses, such as primes. And / or, they identified and used the sharpest overall aperture for their specific lens used.
8) They used some of the lighting ideas presented by BassmanBruce, above, such as having the sun positioned behind them so the subject is well-lit and facing into the light when facing directly toward the camera.

As said, everything about your settings are appropriate for sharply focused and well-exposed images. Your example results show these well-considered settings in practice. Now, work on your physical approach and subject selection so that you are closer to your subjects. Find a good location with lots of action and sit and wait patiently for the wildlife to arrive. It might take an hour. It might take 4 hours.

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dsims1960 Loc: Texas

Thank you very much for your help. Very much appreciated. What is a better camera that isn’t outrageous?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

There's nothing wrong with your current camera, certainly not at an industry standard 24MP in a DX format. The only way to get more effective pixels are $3000+ ideas. Getting closer would be a lot cheaper.

dsims1960 Loc: Texas

I appreciate that!

Hip Coyote

That was some serious work on Chg_Canon's part...excellent advice. No go to school!