Focus Issues and questions

[critter]

I have had my S2 for the last couple of weeks and I really love the camera. I have noticed that some of my pictures are sometimes not that sharp. I think I have come to the conclusion that this camera is very sensitive to shake more so than my N70 that I shot with. Plus, it seems to point at the faults in my inferior glass that I owned prior to getting the camera. Since getting the camera I have bought 3 lenses, just recieved the 28-105 nikkor today, also have the 50mm nikoor 1.8, and a Sigma 15-30 which is real nice.

Has anyone else noted this or am I such a rank amateur that this is natural..BTW I use a monopod for most of my shots.

Tony

[mjphoto]

Just informed about this forum and your issue is the one I was most interested in. You are right about images being soft. I've experienced the same with all proofing I have received from my lab. I still don't know if it's from shake or not selecting the correct focusing point or if it just isn't as sharp a camera as it should be. One thing I do know, my proofs were sharper from my S1. I've been photographing for a long time and I'm sure I don't shake more with one camera than another. I have had some nice shots with the S2 and I like the camera & features but the softness concerns me alot. I've gone back to the S1 for now for shooting seniors this summer/fall till I resolve this problem. Hope to hear some helpful ideas from others.

[critter]

I noted that the first couple of days I would forget to lock the wheel and the focus area would switch in the viewfinder so that may have been some of my issues early on. I think the camera is going to get some getting used to. I don't believe there is anything wrong with it I just got to be steady and shoot with good glass and well lit situations.

I don't make a living with this like you do and I don't think it is the same issues that was happening with the D100. I have noticed that the more I use the camera the less it is happening.

Tony

[picthis]

I also have had soft looking photos outdoors. Even on a tripod I must have a heavy finger, so I attribute the problem to camera shake.

[picthis]

I think I've finally figured iut the soft focus problem on outdoor shots. It definitely seems to be camera shake. Using a good tripod & cable release is a must for me.

[Marc Furth]

I’ve taken about 500 picture to date mostly underwater, but I agree the pictures are definitely soft.

Marc

[picthis]

My outdoor sitting was the first sharp outdoor photos I've made
I actualy forgot my cable release, but was very careful to avoid camera shake. I usually shoot at ASA 100, F8/11 at 1/60 or less.
It will be interesting if others are still having the same problem.

[critter]

I now pretty much shoot very carefully and it really helps the focus issues. Also I pretty much shoot with a monopod whenever I can. One with the clicks that unfasten the legs very quickly that has dramatically improved my shots. I definately believe its camera shake even though I don't think I shake that much. Seems to be more of an issue with longer shots. Try to keep my shutter speed above 125 if I can.

[surfworx]

Try also the sharpening in camera. Try the 3 different settings.

Then, try shooting in RAW mode, and making sharpening adjustments in Photoshop after.

Regards,

Derrick

www.surfworx.com.au

[jbfocus]

The soft or behind focus problems that many have found with the S2 are actually a custom setting the Fuji has installed as a default. you need to go into custom settings and find the setting that says closest focus point and turn it off. in 99% of the cases you will find a much improved focus and sharper photos. also if you have spent $2400 for a camera you must spend a good amount for a quality lens. The S2 will reveal the weakness of cheep Tamron and Sigma lenses. If you want quality you must pay for quality I found the cheapest you can go in a prime is the Nikon 50 1.8 and in a zoom you must get the Tokina 28-70 ATX pro 2.6-2.8 only $349. and it is an amazing piece of glass.
Jimmy Z

[memobug]

Thanks for the suggestion, Jimmy, I agree 100% on the lens issue. Too often I read messages from folks who blew their entire budget on the camera, then buy the cheapest zoom they can find and are disappointed with the results.

PS - you have got to get rid of that giant chrome wall plate thing by the lady's head. The eye goes right there, and unless this photo is intended to sell giant chrome wallplates, it is a distraction

Regards,

Matt