Okay, I realise this is probably user error, or perhaps I am just shakier, but it seems as if I can't get as sharp of a photo, using the same lens, with my D7100 as I did with my D5100. I'm using the Nikor 55-300mm lens, same settings that I used on the D5100. Is it just me? Or am I missing a calibration somewhere?
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D7100 not as sharp as D5100?
#1
Posted 09 December 2013 - 03:09 PM
#2
Posted 09 December 2013 - 07:59 PM
Hmmm, that's interesting.
Try this: set the cameras into manual mode, put them on a tripod, turn the VR off, and trigger the shots remotely (or use the timer). Pick an object that you can "pixel peep" for sharpness. Something with a lot of texture and contrast to it; like an open book or fabric placemat. Use identical settings and focal lengths. Compare those 2 images side by side... that will reveal what's going on with the sharpness.
If you do see a difference in sharpness post the images here, I'd like to take a look.
#3
Posted 09 December 2013 - 09:06 PM
#4
Posted 10 December 2013 - 07:36 AM
#5
Posted 10 December 2013 - 05:19 PM
You are not the first one who says that D7100 sharpness is not as good as in lower Mpix cameras. And maybe there is something in it. But to make sure try to resize your picture to 16Mpix and check again - it might look the same as from 16Mpix D5100. Don't forget to check if HDR feature is off.
The same issue is with D800 as 36 Mpix is more "fragile" for camera shake and in 100% crop you will see a bit of blur. But when resized to 16-24Mpix all looks OK.
Other problem in (so far) some D7100s is AF, as it tends to have huge BF in AF-C mode while shooting sports where there is "messy background" (adverts, billboards, signs etc.) as camera "prefers" to focus on them instead players.
#6
Posted 10 December 2013 - 06:17 PM
553g vs 675g. Not a huge weight difference, but perhaps a shutter speed you were used to using with the D5100 creates a little more camera shake on the D7100. That is a long, heavy lens you're using. It may balance differently on the different body.
#7
Posted 10 December 2013 - 07:10 PM
Are you comparing pixel-to-pixel, in which case anything out of focus is smeared across more pixels and therefore not as sharp at 1 to 1, or are you comparing at same size, in which case there's something wrong with your camera. Mine is sharp.
#8
Posted 25 January 2014 - 12:41 PM
Agree with the above point about matching file sizes by resizing the D7100 file.
Also, spend some time calibrating the D7100 to the lens and using the sharpening in the custon menu settings.
Please report back in.
#9
Posted 25 January 2014 - 10:30 PM
#10
Posted 26 January 2014 - 07:37 AM
#11
Posted 26 January 2014 - 08:14 AM
I had same problem with AF on my d7000. I did an AF fine tune on all my lenses, which has helped plenty. Not sure on the d7100.
How exactly did you do that?
#12
Posted 26 January 2014 - 09:24 AM
To those interested, you can learn how to fine tune your AF with your lens via this URL:
Dot-Tune: Autofocus Fine Tuning in under 5 minutes - FM Forums
HTH
#13
Posted 26 January 2014 - 09:53 AM
Agree with the above point about matching file sizes by resizing the D7100 file.
Also, spend some time calibrating the D7100 to the lens and using the sharpening in the custon menu settings.
Please report back in.
I would be interested in your feed back also.
#14
Posted 26 January 2014 - 09:55 AM
Zoom lenses often can not be tuned perfectly by calibrating the camera, because they need different offsets at different focal lengths. If they are AF-S a technician at a certified Nikon repair centre can produce an offset curve and upload it to the lens. Old -D zooms need to be tuned mechanically, which often is more expensive than replacing with a more modern lens.
#15
Posted 26 January 2014 - 10:18 AM
Thanks for the feedback and link. I really should do a test shot with each camera as suggested. I've been really busy, unfortunately.
I'll look at the auto-tune link and see if that helps.
#16
Posted 26 January 2014 - 04:58 PM
#17
Posted 21 February 2014 - 01:09 AM
Also when you have higher mp any user error is going to be more evident. So you may want to take that into account. Do a test where both are set up on tripods and take a picture of the same subject. Then compare. That should give you a better idea.
- Merco_61 likes this
#18
Posted 02 March 2014 - 05:57 PM
#19
Posted 03 March 2014 - 11:25 AM
Yes, and sorry about the delay. Bottom line is that the D7100 is nice and sharp.
I took comparison pictures of a stationary object using both cameras, both with tripod and delayed shutter release, etc. The D7100 is as sharp or sharper than the D5100. So likely, it was user error for me earlier (and I was taking pictures of birds, which move).
I took the D7100 with me to Whistler, BC this week and got some nice bird pics which I will hopefully upload soon.
- TBonz likes this