New camera, Same quality. Help...

[verus2005]

Need some advise? Here is my situation:

I have been using a Canon Rebel G with the 35-80 II lens for a few years now. The pictures were good compare to the point-and-shoot cameras was I use using before. I use that Rebel for my everyday parties, vacations, landscape… Two 3 weeks ago I decided to get a litter more serious about photography and did a camera upgrade to the Canon ELAN 7NE and the EF 28-135 F3.5-5.6 IS USM lens. Now I compare the shoots from the Rebel G to the Elan and I don’t see any different in quality. I am using regular consumer Kodak film ISO100 and ISO200. I was expecting too see better quality in the photos, but now I don’t what to think. Since I am a beginner may be some body could give me some light on this issue.

[another view]

Hi and welcome. One thing to remember: Cameras don't take pictures, people do! There is a point, of course, where the camera is the limiting factor, but it's not going to be the case with those cameras in most situations. An "IS" lens will help in a lot of cases - see a thread just below this one for a great explaination on what it does and how to use it.

The type of film probably isn't going to make a huge difference either if you're happy with the results you're getting. My advice here is always to find a film and lab combination that work for you and stick with it (but some labs are much more consistent than others).

What I would recommend is a basic book or two on photography. Kodak has a great series. The reason I say this is that photography is all about the light. The better the light, the better the photographs but it can take a while to "see" it, and even longer to know how to work with it. Composition is also important, tough to teach (beyond basics) and the equipment has no effect on it.

What kind of pictures do you want to take, and in what ways did you hope that your pictures would be better?

[Photo-John]

another view's answer was very useful. I recommend you take his advice on studying up a bit on technique and photography basics. The camera won't make any difference unless it helps you solve specific technical issues involving shutter speed, auto focus speed and accuracy, flash synch, etc. The saying goes, "a camera is only a black box to hold your lens and film." I think the 28-135mm IS lens should make a difference in image quality, though. I know I was very pleased when I went from the kit 28-80mm lens to the 28-135mm IS. I noticed much better contrast, saturation, and sharpness. Maybe you don't know what you're looking for? Or there could be a problem with your lab? Printing and processing quality is a very real variable. It can make a huge difference. I'm not saying your lab isn't doing a good job. But maybe you should check out a pro lab if you haven't already.

[Peter_AUS]

Try using Reala 100 or NPH 400 film and see if that makes a difference, make sure the IS is turned off if you are using a tripod.

The 28-135 IS lens is much better than the kit lens overall, but you do need to get used to the lens as well.

Sweet spot is f8-f11 on that lens.

I use the 28-135 IS lens 99% of the time on my camera.

[verus2005]

Thanks for the advice. I just was under the idea that using the two cameras side by side in full auto taking the same pictures the Elan will show more quality.

[Photo-John]

Quality is a vague term. The Elan 7NE is definitely a better-built and more capable camera. The autofocus should be noticeably better and it will have a lot more features than the Rebel. But it's still just a box to hold the film and lens. My guess is that your expectations need to be adjusted. When you buy a new camera you're usually paying for more control, precision, and better features. But that doesn't automatically mean better quality pictures. In the end, the quality is pretty much up to the photographer. The camera can only do so much for you.

Your new camera offers more potential. That might be a better way to look at it.

[another view]

Your new camera offers more potential. That might be a better way to look at it.

Great way to look at it.