Night shot: is this motion blur or out of focus?

[LPC-6]

Hi guys, recently got a new camera (NEX-5R) and have been trying to take some night shots. I originally thought the AF was off when I looked at it through my camera, but on my computer it looks like its motion blur

Here are 3 samples. good, bad and my favourite one which I would say is OK in terms of sharpness (but let me know what you guys think).

The one that is 'good' would be my fav were it not for the plane.


bad:

20130526-2116_DSC01982 by LPCHOY, on Flickr

good:

20130526-2117_DSC01983 by LPCHOY, on Flickr

ok:

20130526-2117_DSC01985 by LPCHOY, on Flickr

 

[markmullen]

Definitely motion blur, have a look at it at 100% and check out the shapes of the lights to the far side of the river, they are elongated and run diagonally up to the right, down to the left.

Cloning the plane out is a 2 second job.

 

[MWHCVT]

Most defintly motion blur, are you using a tripod or any other form of support?

 

[LPC-6]

Thanks, thought it was as such. Was cursing the NEX-5R for a while too...

I've been using a gorillapod but since it's on a rooftop, I keep the strap on my wrist and try my best to 'let the strap hang'. I'm guessing it's either small movements from my wrist or from the wind (it was pretty windy as well and the NEX is pretty light)

 

[MWHCVT]

Thanks, thought it was as such. Was cursing the NEX-5R for a while too...

I've been using a gorillapod but since it's on a rooftop, I keep the strap on my wrist and try my best to 'let the strap hang'. I'm guessing it's either small movements from my wrist or from the wind (it was pretty windy as well and the NEX is pretty light)

Its more likely to be movement caused from pressing the shutter button, unless you've used a trigger? you could try dialing in a shutter delay to remove that issue

 

[LPC-6]

Its more likely to be movement caused from pressing the shutter button, unless you've used a trigger? you could try dialing in a shutter delay to remove that issue

I had a 10 sec shutter delay, so don't think that was it. I think next time I just need to be a bit more ballsy with my camera! Only thing I worry about is not being about to recover the SD card after a 15 floor drop...

 

[Comfortably Numb]

I'd be inclined to try adding some hanging weight to the pod.

I realise that won't be easy, with a Gorillapod, but if you can string some weight between the legs, it will steady things a lot.

 

[BigJohn]

Is there nothing you can fix your gorilla pod to ? Railings or the like .

 

[graphilly]

Do you have OSS On the lens? Make sure to disable that.

 

[LPC-6]

Do you have OSS On the lens? Make sure to disable that.

You know what, I completely forgot about that. Had read that when going through threads about star trails and forgot!