Quote Originally Posted by Asylum Steve
Welcome to the site, Chris. With inanimate objects and that much light, yeah, you should be getting pretty good quality calalogue shots. No motion in your subjects means you should be able to use a very low ISO and make the shutter speed as slow as it needs (tripod a must) to be to get a good, properly exposed image.

I think the immediate problem is shooting in auto. Remember, auto usually means average, and average camera settings will often give you average results.

You need to shoot in either manual or aperture priority mode with the lens at at least f/8 or higher (smaller), and the shutter speed slow enough to give you a bright shot with good contrast. Learning to use either a handheld light meter or your camera's historgram wouldn't hurt, either. At a low ISO, there should be no noise...

BTW, I've never used the camera you have, but if you can't make these kinds of adjustments with it, then I think we both know where you need to target your budget...
Hey Steve

Thanks for the advice awhile back. I have change my settings and I am getting better pics now. I truly believe that the camera needs to be updated now for sure. I have a Cannon EOS in my hands right now that is borrowed. I am working on some comparison shots to strengthen my argument for a better camera. I am planning on shooting the same advice you gave above unless that is the wrong direction for this camera. I am doing some reading up on it and I just want to be sure I am using the camera to the best of its abilities.

Best regards

Chris