It seems strange that a Auto DSL can't yield proper exposure, lens speed and ASA.
That is not to say you can't get a certain effect by using manual, but for snaps you would think that it would do better than a $200 Canon

They both look out of focus to me.

Would you be able to take one using a tripod and post here?

It will never be better for snaps, as it wasn't designed for that. Even if the pictures were the same quality, the fact that it is bigger and heavier would make it worse than a P&S. The point that Thunder22 was making could be summarized as "what is proper?" People have become used to the settings on point and shoot cameras, and now consider those results normal.

Many people purchase DSLRs and are disappointed with the standard shots. A DSLR is more work, but is ultimately more rewarding. You just can't skip the step of tuning the settings to those which the new camera owner prefers.

I haven't used Automatic mode since the first few weeks with my D70, many years ago. I have used Manual, and Aperture Priority, but usually I shoot in Program (P) mode, which allows me to save my favourite settings, essentially a customized Auto mode baseline from which I can vary settings as I wish.

Actually JCL, if done properly and obviously needs practice, DSLRs produce incredible results straight out of the camera that P&S cannot match. I am no expert at this but a tinkerer and have achieved astonishingly good results with little to no post processing.

PS: By full manual I meant, manual focusing as well. All my lens except one are manual lens (no auto focus). Most are fast primes or fast zooms (70-200mm F3.5) Here is an example of a 50mm macro with default sharpness, ISO-400, Shutter at 1/125, F1.4 (I am guessing here) with a 2X converter, cropped and re-sized for the web. With DSLRs do not be afraid to bump up the ISO to 800 to get a faster shutter speed.

http://www.chooha.com/macros-p/1.jpg

Sorry to hijack the OP's thread.

I do have a tripod that I use for a spotting scope - but I've already gotten the answer I was looking for :) The point here for me was to figure out what people consider 'soft' since it is a very discussed subject with the 50D, and indeed what others consider soft I consider quite good :)

I still have a long way to go before I am comfortable with the camera but I am getting there, albeit slowly.

Should have bought a Nikon:nanana::nanana:



http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96...p/DSC_2714.jpg


http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96...DSC_9314-1.jpg

Gotcha, that wasn't clear.

Why? so that people can get soft/mushy colors like on the center of the butterfly or blow out the whites on the side of the swan?
:stickpoke

Beautiful shot.
:thumbup: