Help me decide...

[sarah_19_nz]

didn't get in QUITE as close with the d7k BUT the d90 is definitely slightly clearer.

 

[sarah_19_nz]

I think it's just me being too fussy? Here is my last and final test. Reset everything back to default. perfect lighting (meaning plenty of it) very similar settings as previous photos, 50mm 1.8, on tripod, but it is still a bit soft at 100% I give up! It's the same with the d90. It's me, what am I doing wrong? why can't it be TACK SHARP?!?!?!?
View attachment 58641View attachment 58642

 

[Mach0]

I think it's just me being too fussy? Here is my last and final test. Reset everything back to default. perfect lighting (meaning plenty of it) very similar settings as previous photos, 50mm 1.8, on tripod, but it is still a bit soft at 100% I give up! It's the same with the d90. It's me, what am I doing wrong? why can't it be TACK SHARP?!?!?!? <img src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=58641"/><img src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=58642"/>

What were your settings?

 

[Mach0]

And... sharpness in portraits is over-rated. Do you REALLY want to show every facial crevice and pore and errant hair? Yeah, there's various software that can do the smoothing/hiding... but there is a benefit to having some blurring. So to get good flattering portraits, put more effort into the lighting setup.

Lol!!! I took everyone's linkedin photos at my job (with my 85 1.8 AF-D at f7.1) and even the default LR sharpening was way too sharp. Every pore, blemish, wrinkle or hair showed up lol.

 

[sarah_19_nz]

shutter 200, ISO 100, f7.1

 

[Mach0]

shutter 200, ISO 100, f7.1

Where did you focus?

 

[sarah_19_nz]

on the eye, single point focus, center focus point rah rah rah... lol

 

[sarah_19_nz]

I give up myself, still hopeful someone will figure it out. Can't exactly afford to switch to Canon right now *GASP* I know I said it!

 

[Mach0]

I give up myself, still hopeful someone will figure it out. Can't exactly afford to switch to Canon right now *GASP* I know I said it!

It's not the brand. I would try to do the same shot with you 18-105 and see how it looks. Have you tried a focus test on your lens?

 

[pgriz]

Sarah, why don't you keep the camera on the tripod, and use manual focus using live-view (10x magnify on the eyes) to ensure you have the absolute sharpest possibility. Start with maybe f/8. Then repeat using wider apertures. Once you have a "gold" set, repeat the exact same exercise with the AF. Compare the paired images and see if there is any difference. You might want to substitute an inanimate object for your daughters to ensure that nothing moves except the shutter. A big doll with large thick eyelashes may be just the ticket.

 

[Mach0]

Sarah, why don't you keep the camera on the tripod, and use manual focus using live-view (10x magnify on the eyes) to ensure you have the absolute sharpest possibility. Start with maybe f/8. Then repeat using wider apertures. Once you have a "gold" set, repeat the exact same exercise with the AF. Compare the paired images and see if there is any difference. You might want to substitute an inanimate object for your daughters to ensure that nothing moves except the shutter. A big doll with large thick eyelashes may be just the ticket.

+1

 

[sarah_19_nz]

Sarah, why don't you keep the camera on the tripod, and use manual focus using live-view (10x magnify on the eyes) to ensure you have the absolute sharpest possibility. Start with maybe f/8. Then repeat using wider apertures. Once you have a "gold" set, repeat the exact same exercise with the AF. Compare the paired images and see if there is any difference. You might want to substitute an inanimate object for your daughters to ensure that nothing moves except the shutter. A big doll with large thick eyelashes may be just the ticket.

Excellent suggestion. I will do this soon.

 

[sarah_19_nz]

one thing is clear I SUCK at manual focusing! haha Auto did a better job.

 

[pgriz]

Oh, it's hard without live-view. AF beats me every time when I use only the viewfinder. However, 10x liveview... I'm golden.

 

[PaulWog]

Oh, it's hard without live-view. AF beats me every time when I use only the viewfinder. However, 10x liveview... I'm golden.

I agree. If I were shooting in a studio and didn't need rapid shots, i might compose with the viewfinder and then switch to live view . Live view is ALWAYS bang on accurate on my d5200. It also is better at aperture priority mode for exposure oddly.

Anyways, try live view focus. It never lets me down, though shutter wait time is slow.