My new Kodak CX6330: got some pics up

[ksordo]

Please visit my picture page at http://community.webshots.com/user/ksordo74100 and tell me what you think is wrong here. 99% of the pictures I've taken with this camera have come out like these. Am I doing something wrong (i.e. shaking the camera--although if I've moved it, I don't think it's as badly as the pics refelect--or am I not focusing correctly). Or, was I sold a lemon. I was dissapointed when I first saw the pictures; I bought this camera because it's gotten rave reviews. By the way, I've got the latest firmware, 1.03, which came with the camera.

[nagybalfasz_b]

Yes, you´re right with the artefacts. Really strange. Look at this picture taken with the CX6330 of my sister:
Same artefacts on the right of the picture
It looks as if the sensor recognizes the same color of a wall filling the background in different ways on different spots of the CCD.
The other strange thing is, that really all of your pictures are unsharp. That´s really strange cause the camera should focus on at least one thing on the picture automatically when you take the photo. Don´t understand why it doesn´t.

[ksordo]

That's a pretty nice picture! The only problem is the artifacts in the background, plus the front of the hands look kinda digitized; not real flesh tone.

KODAK replied to my email regarding this issue saying the following:
There could be many reasons why the pictures seem a bit soft and out of
focus. I suggest you place the camera on a table or other stable
surface and use the Self-Timer feature. This will eliminate any
possible camera shake while the picture is taken.

When you are going to take pictures while holding the camera, a good
stance is important in getting a good picture. Stand with your legs
about two feet apart with your arms close to your sides. Hold the
camera comfortably, but in a way that is not blocking the flash or the
meter of the camera. If you are going to take a picture using the
viewfinder, keep this stance and bring the camera gently to your
forehead. View the image with both eyes open if you are using the
viewfinder and compose the picture. When you are ready to snap the
shutter, press the shutter half way to set the camera mechanics for
exposure. When ready to capture the image, do it slowly, yet
deliberately, avoiding any jerky motions. Note: Digital cameras take
just a split second longer to capture the picture so keep your position
for just a second longer than you would with a film camera. This will
help you prevent blurring due to removing the camera from the picture
taking stance too soon.

If you are going to use the view-screen to preview your composition, use the same techniques as noted, but do not hold the camera to your
forehead. It will be a bit more difficult to keep a good stance, as you will not have the option of steadying the camera against your forehead.
So, to limit blur, lean against a wall, rest your elbows, or use some
other object, if possible. Try to rest your arms on something in front
of you. The object here, is to make sure you have the support to steady the camera and prevent camera movement during exposure.

If the images are clear, and sharp, using the self timer, consider this
process each time you take a picture. It will soon become second nature to you. If this does not help, attach 2-3 sample images, directly from
the camera without editing, to your reply of this e-mail. We will
analyze them and get back to you as soon as possible.

[nagybalfasz_b]

That´s pretty much a standard text, not really an answer to your question But the last sentense is a good opportunity. Send them a few of your pictures with the mentioned artefacts and maybe with the lens flares as well to analyse them. It would be interesting to see what they are gonna say.

[ksordo]

Aren't artefacts and lens flares the same thing? :?

[nagybalfasz_b]

No! Look at my picture in your first thread. There you can see several totally round "spots" or circles which look a bit like lens flares. The artefacts on walls and other flat things in the background aren´t circular and look different.