Rebel Owners- A Couple of Questions

[mirranda]

I've had my Digi Rebel (300D) for about 16 months now. When I first got it, I got some great photos out of it. I took it to the park and got a clear photo of DS on the swing in mid air.

Now- I can't take a shot will a still subject without it being a little "soft". I'm using the kit lense, and I wonder if that might be part of the problem.

I shoot everything in full Auto mode, because I've been too danged busy (or lazy LOL) to learn how to do anything else. At this point I'm so frustrated with it that I'm not even sure I want to learn.

Is it normal to have "soft" photos using the kit lense?

If so, I'm more than willing to upgrade the lense. I'm just worried that maybe this is a camera problem. If its likely the lense, can anyone suggest a good, all purpose lense, that is reasonably priced?

Thanks!

[Lauren]

The kit lens can be soft - particularly if you're trying to use it in low light. I'd recommend picking up a 50mm 1.8 lens, it's about $75 and very sharp so if it's your camera, this lens will show it. If it turns out to be the kit lens (which I think it would be) you could then look at replacing it with a better quality zoom. What I would recommend depends entirely on your budget and what/where you shoot.

Also, being in auto could make a difference to the sharpness if it's selecting too low a shutter speed and creating camera shake. You could try setting it to Av mode and choosing the widest aperture (smallest number) that the lens can go to. This will make the camera choose the highest shutter speed that it can use for the shot which should improve sharpness. You'll have to be careful that your focus point is dead on though, because a narrow depth of field can make your shot out of focus quite easily if you're a little off.

[mirranda]

Thanks for your help!

[Sulis]

I would second the 50mm 1.8 - a great lens which will get you sharper photos than the kit lens - and it's not too expensive either! Probably the best cheap lens you will ever find:)