Digital Rebel XT problems ??

[dellybean]

Sorry for the cross-post -- hoping some of my old PAD buddies might have some insight!!

I just bought a new Rebel XT and took it out for a test drive today. I'm finding the images disappointing - at original size there seems to be a fine "fuzz", especially around bright objects. There's a pretty consistent fuzziness across ISOs, aperture values, and shutter speeds, so I'm thinking it's either a lens issue, a sensor problem, or something else I can't figure out.

I used two lenses with it, a Canon 28-105 4-5.6 zoom (I know this isn't a first-class lens -- they shipped the wrong lens, I ordered the 3.5-5 - getting it replaced next week) and the Canon 75-300. The glass is brand new and clean. I've heard this version of the lens isn't fabulous, but I can't believe Canon would sell a lens that has results this poor.

If it's a sensor problem and someone has experience with that, I'd love to hear about it.

If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know. I'm frustrated that I can't figure out what the issue is. I upgraded from a Fuji S7000 and never had a problem like this.

If you view this image at original size, you should be able to see what I'm talking about: http://www.pbase.com/dellybean/image/49753006

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!!
Della

[5points]

Have not noticed any of the problems you describe, but looking at the exif data of your sample image I bet that you would get a better result using a lower speed and higher f-stop in that situation.
At 4.5 your lens is wide open (can't tell if you used AF or focused manually.)
Check your AF point settings, you have a choice of 7 points, if all of them are on, it might get confused.

Do more tests, use a tripod, take the identical shot with all possible speed/f-stop combination, if that fails try to borrow a lens to narrow it down if the problem is related to the camera body or related to the lens.

I have the same camera, bought it about a month ago. using a 17-40 1:4 L USM lens for all of my work. generally pleased with the hardware.

[adalberto_tiburzi]

In fact Della that is one of the cheapest zooms built ever!
Can be decent on the full format.
The 28-135 IS is way better as far as I know.
The top in that focal range is the 24-70 2,8L and the new 24-105L IS.
But I have done all my 2004 Pbase year with a Rebel and its 100$ kit lens...

[dellybean]

Things seem to be much better after a little bit of editing and paying a little more attention to the exposure! Some of my first efforts with the XT can be seen here:

http://www.pbase.com/dellybean/new_hampshire

The first half of the gallery with apples and pumpkins is all the new XT.

Thanks again to Adal for helping me out!!

[jeremygood]

What a beautiful gallery, such magical fall colors.

I sent the link to my dad who was born and raised in NH.