Subject sharpness

[Mandragora]

lets also not forget that how something is lit greatly affects the sharpness

[CharlesSong]

Right, lighting helps. There are a bunch of factors contributing to the end 'sharpness' result.

-Focus is obviously HUGE
-How steady your camera is
-How much light is on the subject
-What lens you are using
-How much sharpening you add in post


As far as camera bodies go, don't sell your XSi short. Here's a shot just the other day I did with my XT-- yes, that ancient entry level 8 megapixel dinosaur.





Here's a 100% crop of the eyes:



I haven't added any sharpening in post yet (will do so if I print it)

[HoldyourfireAl]

So, you think mine would be close to Ed's sharpness in the same lighting that he is using?

[HoldyourfireAl]

How do you add sharpening to a pic with Photoshop?

[HoldyourfireAl]

My attempt at sharpening w/ PS...

[Mandragora]

Originally Posted by CharlesSong

Right, lighting helps. There are a bunch of factors contributing to the end 'sharpness' result.

-Focus is obviously HUGE
-How steady your camera is
-How much light is on the subject
-What lens you are using
-How much sharpening you add in post

not only that . . .

- the color of the light . . specifically how much does the color compliment/contrast the color of the subject
- the quality of the light (sharp, soft, how strong the contrast)
- how much reflection/type of reflection

all of this makes a huge difference

[HoldyourfireAl]

Ed...what lighting are you using dude?

[P1X4R]

Originally Posted by HoldyourfireAl

Ed...what lighting are you using dude?

Al, i'm using a Canon 580EX II Speedlite mounted on the 5D. it's pointed straight up to bounce flash off the ceiling. i also have another 580 that i can use as a slave/light umbrella combo but i was too lazy to set it up today.

[P1X4R]

chuck and erin are totally right. it's not always about the camera. lighting, camera steadiness, and a little post processing helps.

chuck, your model shots are always awesome!! i envy your skills!

let's not forget erin's mastery of light and shadow!

[P1X4R]

Originally Posted by Mandragora

- the color of the light . . specifically how much does the color compliment/contrast the color of the subject

i need to study how lighting works. i've got my flash set to auto but i know i can control it more. i like how it produces a nice, natural and "neutral" color tone. i've taken test shots with and without flash and noticed that the shots taken without flash tend to be warmer and i'd have to fix it in post process.