Shots from new camera, should they be this bad?

[DuncanDisorderly]

The brick wall is f4.9 - that is enough to cause softening by diffraction on this size sensor and the effect will be visible viewed at 100%.
There is a table in the following link that shows your sensor needs to be f4 to create a sharp A4 print.
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/technical/diffraction.html

I reckon if you re-shoot the brick wall at f2 you will get better results at 100% (the bke shot is f2).
This assumes the center of your lens is OK wide open (probably true).
At f2 the edges of the image might look rubbish at 100%, but the center should look noticably crisper.

In short, re-test using:
- lowest ISO
- widest aperture
- self timer
- tripod
- stabilisation OFF
and only check the center of the frame at 100%

Then start using smaller apertures checking the edges of the frame to find out the lenses sweet spot.
Then turn the IS back on and try hand-holding to see what shutter speeds you can get away with.

Pixel peeping is bad for your sanity

 

[rich_]

Looked like initially the JPG was compressing a great deal. Glad you got it to take a more pleasant photo.

 

[Lakes_Puma]

Thanks again for all your input, the above photos were take handheld with the image set to RAW.

I know there are better compact cameras around but I wanted something that I can take anywhere including the beach, pool, mountain biking etc.

I'll just have to experiment to get the best out of it and work out which modes to avoid.

 

[woof woof]

Ixus 82 IS and LX5 probably have the slightly bigger sensor 1/1.7 or whatever size, as opposed to the tiny tiny 1/2.5 sensor.

I think... the Ixus IS 1/2.3, 6.17 x 4.55 mm, quite old kit now and I'd expect anything decent and new to at least match it. LX5 is 1/1.63, 8.07 x 5.56 mm.

I'll just have to experiment to get the best out of it and work out which modes to avoid.

Yup. 100% viewing should be avoided anyway. Hope you can get some good shots with it.

 

[jonbeeza]

I think... the Ixus IS 1/2.3, 6.17 x 4.55 mm, quite old kit now and I'd expect anything decent and new to at least match it. LX5 is 1/1.63, 8.07 x 5.56 mm. .....
...


it.

The images from our very old Ixus 82IS are much better, than my newer Panasonic TZ55. However the video from the IXUS are terrible, while Panasonic video is acceptable.

Next compact I get with photos in mind, will be one with a decent sized sensor.

 

[jonbeeza]

This is the sort of poor quality I am getting from my Panasonic TZ Compact, can't tweak anything in camera. At the telephoto end, ISO 100 and a good touch of exposure comp, otherwise images are too over exposed. Image has been re sized, suppose I can't complain too much as camera was only cheap !

 

[petersmart]

I recall making the change from my D70 to the D7000. The step was huge and it showed my terrible technique. I had to shoot so much faster to compensate for my shake.

Yeah - sex, drugs and rock'n'roll will do that to you