Grainy images

[Andybazyoung]

Hello All,
I have many birds visiting my garden & I want to take images of birds, especially in flight but find all the attempts so far, once enlarged are all very grainy.
I have a canon 60D, it is set on TV. shutter speed 500, ISO 400 - 1250, continuous shutter.
The lenses I have been using are Canon 70 - 200mm, F4L & a Sigma DG 120 - 400mm f4.5/
I have used both lenses at their longest focal points and have also taken images with a reduced focal length with both lenses.
I am shooting through a window which is cleaned and clear.
Any suggestions to get rid of grainy would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Andy

[ST1]

Andy it may help if you post an example image with the Exif, so that we can see the grain

[Andybazyoung]

Image 1

image 2


Images as requested. Hope this helps Peter.

[JR1]

1. you are not focussing on the subject, I assume you have all focus points set instead of just the centre one, when shooting the second image you should have the focus pre set and set to manual after that

Your focus is not on the birds


2. Download and MANUAL NOT auto install http://noiseware-community-edition.en.softonic.com/

It is superb, try it

Pop in and I will show you see my sites

JR Tavistock

[Andybazyoung]

1. you are not focussing on the subject, I assume you have all focus points set instead of just the centre one, when shooting the second image you should have the focus pre set and set to manual after that

Your focus is not on the birds


2. Download and MANUAL NOT auto install http://noiseware-community-edition.en.softonic.com/

It is superb, try it

Pop in and I will show you see my sites

JR Tavistock

Hi Jeremy,
I am doing what you have suggested. I have just tried another taking another image & have the same issues.
Your invite to 'Pop in' is very much welcomed. When would it suit you?
Andy

[chauncey]

Andy, I get the impression that you're kinda new to the photography game and/or to your camera. Back when I got my 1Ds3, two of the places that I turned to was https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...etup+canon+60d and http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php
FWIW, shooting thru a window pane is rarely a good idea as it can mess up focusing and mess up light transmission which elevates your ISO and increases noise...open that window!

You have good gear...now learn to use it.

[Andybazyoung]

Not so new, but still get hiccups like I mentioned. Thank you for your pointers.
Andy

[Stagecoach]

Andy,

Looking at the Exif data for these two images;

No 1 - 1/4000s, f/5.6, ISO 3200
No 2 - 1/1600s, f/5.6, ISO 3200

I would suspect your noise is being caused mainly by your high ISO which does not tie up with the settings you mention in your first post.

Grahame

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Andy,

Another relevant question is how much are these cropped from the frame captured?
I am assuming they are, let me know if I am wrong.

Can you post the original uncropped image please?
Even if only a thumbnail, just so it gives an idea of the amount of crop.

Thanks, Dave

[Andybazyoung]

Grahame,
First, thanks for looking at my problem. I began taking photos early morning & used high ISO settings as it was a little dull. I was altering settings to look at extreme settings and how they would alter my images.
Having looked at images however for most of the day, as the whole issue was now greatly hacking me off, I have inadvertently posted the wrong images with the wrong settings - how careless of me! More importantly, I feel a little sad asking a question & presenting wrong information. A genuine thanks for pointing that out.
I understand about the high ISO & also understand about possible degradation of an image taking it through a window. The whole thing started out as an exploratory morning using a new theme.
My second point or original question is why is there so much grain I my images?
I had advice from Jeremy Rundell (JR1)who said I was not focussing properly & rather than grain/noise my image were out of focus.
So, I am now starting again with birds in flight, being more patient, using settings that have been recommended.
Thanks again Grahame,
Andy

[Andybazyoung]

Hi Dave,
As you will see my response to Grahame, I can't remember if I cropped them & by how much. So if you could wait I will dig the originals out & post them tomorrow.
Thanks
Andy

[DanK]

I'm also guessing that you cropped a lot. This looks like typical noise in a highly cropped image shot at that ISO on a camera of that sort.

My crop sensor camera is older and noisier, but you can test this for yourself. Take a series of identical shots at constant aperture (Av mode) and at ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200. then look at them enlarged somewhat on the monitor. I'm guessing that you will see some noise at 800, considerable noise at 1600, and a lot of noise at 3200. If so, your only choices are to shoot at a lower ISO or use noise reduction, which will cost you some detail.

Also, check the histogram in your exposure. This problem will generally be worse if you have the histogram bunched up at the lower end.