Photoshop, guidance needed

[fergus]

We have quite a similar photographic past Tom! When I entered the digital realm I purchased a Canon 350D which I still have and although I do not indulge in serious photography any more I still take the occasional “snap”. I know that you occasionally come up to Dublin and if you want to hook up for a learning session you are more than welcome to drop in any time if practical help is what you are looking for.
BTW on the 35 D just above the eyepiece on the right hand side is a correction dial for eyesight. I do not know the 400D but it must have something similar too.

[Fran]

ditto here Tom...

[Rocker]

Thanks guys for the offers of help. My eyesight failing I'd due to ageing but especially as a result of an inner ear virus. Hence getting the Nikon, it had autofocus. The Rolliflex had nothing, you focused until the image looked in focus. I did try setting the camera as if it is a film camera but the photos are poor to say the least. The Irish Photographic Institute at Lord Edward St run day courses, I will sign up for one and see if there is some light at the end of the tunnel...

[jaybee]

what lens are you using?

color or black&white..????

[Rocker]

what lens are you using?

The standard (supplied with camera) EFS 18-55

color or black&white..????

Colour so far

[fergus]

what lens are you using?

The standard (supplied with camera) EFS 18-55

Actually Tom, assuming that you are talking about the Canon lens, that is not a great lens at all and perhaps that is part of your problem. It is very "soft" and perhaps you are mistaking that for "out of focus". The first thing that I would do is try to take some images with another lens and your standard one and compare both.

[jaybee]

to get closer to your experience with older cameras...

pick up a canon ef50 f1.8

definitely the best value in terms of bang for buck...

will be far sharper than your current kit lens, I sold mine on adverts for 50 quid in mint condition( I upgraded to the ef50 f1.2L)

it will also give you far greater control over depth of field ( the 18-55 if f4.5-5:6 if memory serves)

[jaybee]

for a very down to earth view on the world of digital photography try

http://www.kenrockwell.com

[Fran]

Tom,

I've been mulling over your problem a bit. The advice about the 50mm lens is all good (brilliant lens, have one myself) but you should be able to get decent sharp shots with what you have....

I suspect that the issues you mention are partly from the camera and partly from the processing side. You really should consider calling over some night and I can get you started no problems.


Fran

[Rocker]

Thanks again guys. Right now I am laid low with a throat infection. The medication has me as weak as a kitten. I will call to you Fran in a couple of weeks - when I am better and sure that I won't bring a dose into your house....