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ChiefEW

Here it is in the raw. Not sure if it will load. ISO 224 Fstop 5.6 shutter speed 1/500

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CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

We can work with the RAW, thx. Let's see what we can see.

ChiefEW

I am not sure if it loaded??

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Below are two extracts of the attached NEF. One from Capture NX-D showing the EXIF and the active AF points. The second a pixel-level crop from LR6, showing the details of the image shot at 220mm in auto with the lens at the maximum f/5.6 aperture, with a lens that can extend to 600mm. The only way to get sharper than these sharp details is to apply more focal length zoom onto the intended subject, rather than such an extreme crop from a distant 24MP frame. You'll probably find the lens is sharper stepped down to at least f/8, something readily available in this bright light.

This post started with not being able to get sharp images off of AUTO. Given these auto results, it seems that's a human problem, not equipment. Do you have an example off of AUTO where we could see the EXIF data there, possibly identifying areas to modify?

If you just look at what the camera selected for this example, you could dial the same into aperture priority or manual exposure, making the f/8 adjustment and zooming the lens to pick birds at just one of the two bird feeders. You might also use AF-C (continuous focus) and a single AF point placed over just one bird or the 9-point Dynamic Area, again covering one bird or a small group.

Consider spending more time learning this lens and improving your shooting technique. The lens seems well matched to your current camera, based on these initial results.

Edit and crop from LR6, 2 minutes effort

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ChiefEW

Thank you. I appreciate your help. Maybe I don't need to get a new camera??

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I don't think so. We can help too on camera settings off AUTO, but you'll need to provide actual examples. If you don't have something old, consider the ideas suggested above to create a new example for discussion:

Consider stepping down from wide-open when the light allows, start at f/8
Zooming the lens to pick a specific subject (bird)
Use AF-C (continuous focus)
Use a single AF point placed specifically over the eye of just one bird or the 9-point Dynamic Area, again covering one bird or a small group.

User ID

The first things that hit me when the data was posted are a very low iso resulting in a barely adequate shutter speed (if not on tripod) and a way too wide aperture. Take control of your present camera and it’s very doubtful you need a new camera.

I failed to find mention of VR in the data. If you prefer handheld, make sure the VR (IS, OIS, VC etc) is engaged.