Optimum setting for sharp image

[1andyw]

Hi,

I just bought a Z20 and am looking for way to create a 'benchmark' image showing the sharpest detail. I intend to use it to compare future work for sharpness and clarity.

Will someone recommend the settings and conditions that will produce the best results?

Thanks,

AndyW

[genece]

Its an FZ20...I hope. ....someone else makes the Z20 cameras.

A lot of this has to do with the way you use the camera but most seemed to think somwhere around F5.6 is the sweet spot on the lens.

I would say just to check, set the ISO on 80.. and the NR on low and the other settings the way that appeals to you.

I do not believe in locking the ISO on 80 but many people do.
but for a refererance I would think thats necessary......as is good light behind you and a lens hood.

[gwhizkids]

Gene:

You mentioned in your reply about keeping the NR function on low. Is there ever a good time to use it, or is it pretty much a useless function on the FZ30 (and 20)?

[genece]

Again I think a lot of this is a personal preference....myself I do not find noise to be a problem unless I am doing some aggressive post processing and if it shows up then I can run a NR on the photo.

There are other people that seem to find noise in all photos so maybe they should use a different setting.

I really think a well exposed photo from the FZ cameras contains very little noise when viewed up to full screen or printed so I see no use for the NR setting to be set higher than low.....I would turn it off if that was possible.

But You may want it set higher.....I think if NR were needed, a computer and good software would be the better choice, as you can vary the amount to achieve your goals.

But keep in mind I seldom find it necessary to use a NR program ,perhaps if I used it on most photos I would rethink that.

[1andyw]

Gene,

Thanks for the help.

Andy

[StanStan]

I would place the camera on a tripod, turn off anti-shake, have good light, use 2 or 10 second delay if remote trigger is not available, use histogram, mid-range aperature, fast shutter as possible and take a lot of photos. Pick best.