What's going on here?

[CodyRisko]

I have had my Canon Rebel XSI for awhile now, I know how to use it in nearly all the settings, but recently my pictures haven't been as crisp in my opinion. I normally use "manual focus" but sometimes use "auto focus." Here is a picture that doesn't look crisp to me:

Link to Picture
Not a great picture obviously but took this to use as an example.

To make matters worse, I took off my lens to take a look inside and somehow I managed to scratch my mirror in the process, while I know this doesn't affect pictures it's just a minor annoyance. But back to the main subject, it just hasn't been taking as crisp pictures of late. Do you guys see what I am seeing or am I just going crazy? If you have any suggestions please feel free to give them.

 

[412 Burgh]

What exact camera and lens? also post Exif data for further help.

 

[CodyRisko]

Using Canon Rebel XSI, and the standard lens that come with it.


File name: G:\DCIM\202CANON\IMG_1775.JPG
File type: JPEG
File size: 3,104.6 KB
Creation date: 3/7/2012 14:46
Last modification: 3/7/2012 14:46
Make: Canon (Canon Global)
Camera: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS
Software: Firmware Version 1.0.4
Dimension: 4272 x 2848 px (12.2 MP, 3:2)
Focal length: 25 mm (equiv. 41 mm)
Aperture: F10
Exposure time: 1/200"
ISO speed rating: 100/21°
Program: Program AE (Manual)
Metering Mode: Evaluative
White Balance: Daylight
Focus Mode: Off (Manual Focus)
Noise Reduction: Off
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode

 

[analog.universe]

Did you shoot this as a JPG or RAW?

If JPG, there's a sharpness adjustment in the picture styles that may've gotten turned down...

The image you linked to does look soft, but not _that_ soft. With that particular lens, it's plausible that an unsharpened photo will look this way.

 

[KmH]

Are you familiar with how your camera works?

That mirror you scratched is actually only 50% reflective. 50% of the light from the lens gets deflected up to the viewfinder. The 50% of the light that goes on through the mirror gets deflected by a smaller secondary mirror down to the Phase-Detection auto focus module that sits in the bottom of the camera. There is a clear window over the AF module. The image from the lens is split in 2 and the phase of the 2 images is compared to auto focus the camera.

Over time the secondary mirror and the window get dusty/dirty and the AF module doesn't work so good any more.

 

[480sparky]

You have a 12.2mp camera, and post a 6.8mp image. Perhaps you're not shooting at in the Large setting.

It also looks like the jpeg compression leaves a lot to be desired. It is set to the lowest (smallest file size) setting?

 

[CodyRisko]

Are you familiar with how your camera works?

That mirror you scratched is actually only 50% reflective. 50% of the light from the lens gets deflected up to the viewfinder. The 50% of the light that goes on through the mirror gets deflected by a smaller secondary mirror down to the Phase-Detection auto focus module that sits in the bottom of the camera. There is a clear window over the AF module. The image from the lens is split in 2 and the phase of the 2 images is compared to auto focus the camera.

Over time the secondary mirror and the window get dusty/dirty and the AF module doesn't work so good any more.

What would you suggest doing then, sorry I am semi-new to DSLR's and this is the first time I scratched the mirror (obviously.)

You have a 12.2mp camera, and post a 6.8mp image. Perhaps you're not shooting at in the Large setting.

It also looks like the jpeg compression leaves a lot to be desired. It is set to the lowest (smallest file size) setting?

Where are you seeing that the picture I took is only 6.8 mp?

 

[480sparky]

Where are you seeing that the picture I took is only 6.8 mp?

The one in your link is only 3204 by 2136. 3204 x 2136 = 6,843,744 = ~ 6.8mp.

 

[CodyRisko]

Oh no, the original picture is 4272 x 2848, the site I uploaded it to must have resized it.

 

[480sparky]

That's still only 9.1 mp.

 

[CodyRisko]

How would I get it to 12.2 in that case?

 

[One2]

That's still only 9.1 mp.

Not adding anything productive to this thread but I get 12.2 mp? 4272 X 2848 = 12,166,656.

 

[NickA]

I'm getting 12.2

4272 x 2848 = 12,166,656

 

[480sparky]

That's still only 9.1 mp.

Not adding anything productive to this thread but I get 12.2 mp? 4272 X 2848 = 12,166,656.

Well, if you're just going to nitpick about trivial facts, I guess I won't bother trying to help you.

 

[zcar21]

maybe it's camera shake? show another sample.