Poor image quality

SOURCE: Best picture size to use

The higher quality will not degrade the prints, you can always reduce the size for printing, if you wish. (Although it shouldn't matter, if the printer is not able to print all the pixels due to limited resolution, it will downsize properly, anyway). The only drawbacks are, as you noted, increased size/storage requirements. I would shot always in the biggest possible size and with fine JPEG (no sense in using TIFF - the quality is not so different that you ever notive it). The reason for always using the biggest size is that you can later crop and have better chances at postprocessing. When "THE" shot comes your way, you don't want to accidentily store it in all the glory of 800x600 pixels :) (Switching sizes is a bad idea, you inevitable forget to switch the size back and shot an entire afternoon in the small size. Been there, done that, did not get the pixels back :)

SOURCE: Image looks with white verital striped lines in playback mode

Mine had the same problem (except the stripes are horizontal).  I sent it to Canon and sure enough it is the CCD problem that many of these have.  The good news is that it is covered under a recall and Canon will fix it free, including the shipping.

SOURCE: I purchased a d80 recently

Hey mcgeedds,
What you’re seeing is probably what is called digital noise. At low levels of light the sensor in the camera that records the image shares data from one pixel to the ones adjacent to it which causes digital noise. The way to fix this is either make sure your noise reduction setting is turned on, or get a powerful off camera flash that has the power and coverage capabilities to light the subject at the distance you are from your subject. Noise reduction on average should double your exposure time requiring you to use a tripod in most cases. Also pay attention to your iso setting if it is too high this can also cause digital noise in your images. I almost never shoot with a higher iso that 400. I hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Allan
Go Ahead. Use Us.

SOURCE: Pixel problem, all pictures taken have poor pixel resolution

It sounds like you set the file settings to a small file size - perhaps in order to get more photos on a single memory card. You need to change the setting to the largest file size possible, at the highest quality. The steps for this will be in your manual. If you need detailed instructions and don't have your manual, let me know and I'll lookup your manual online.

Fernando Tobar

• 35 Answers
• Posted on Aug 07, 2009

SOURCE: megapixels on camera needs to be reset?

Check the sizes and quality pressing the FUNC button while in shooting mode. The left side options on your screen, at the left bottom corner will display the size and compression for the images, and select the desired size. See the manual for the correct size which corresponds to proper printing size. I suggest you to use always the maximum size for the S3: 6MP and compression at superfine, no matter what the size of your prints will be. Always check your SD card. A good practice is to carry a second SD card. 1 MB is OK if you don't use the camera for videos.

Is a good practice also to check always some basic settings prior to use the camera.