DSC-HX20V images imported to pc look very underexposed

[nrsnrs]

DSC-HX20V images imported to pc look very underexposed and dull.  Image on camera screen looks good.

Is this normal for this camera

[Mick2011]

Hi there, welcome to the Sony Forums

I've read reviews that claim it can meter 1/3 stop underexposure, but that's not enough to make things excessively dull. If the image looks good on the LCD it's more than likely that your computer is displaying the image incorrectly.

Are you shooting raw or jpeg? Auto or manual exposure? If raw/manual, it's often necessary to make some adjustments once you upload the shots to PC. If you're using an auto-exposure mode, I'd suggest your PC is the source of the problem, either the monitor needs calibrating or the editing software you're using is somehow preset incorrectly.

If you like you could upload an example image to the forum and I'd be happy to check it out for you.

Cheers

Mick

[Old_Taoist]

Having only just purchased the HX-20v a day ago, initially impressed by the video quality for such a small sensor (1/2.3 = the smallest and cheapest) I am becoming rather disapointed after closer examination. Images do seem undeexposed. Not only that, the camera tends to make the less contrasted areas look really badly "fuzzy"; e.g. shoot a person or animal and look at the edges at 100% - it looks far worse than the 6 or so year old 10 Mp Lumix FX35 that I was replacing!

Mick: why do you ask if he's shooting RAW or JPG? This camera, although expensive (read as "overpriced!") will not shoot RAW files. You work for Sony?

BTW: Images always look better on the LCD because they are smaller and the LCD is bright. Images usually look brighter on a PC Monitor, especially LCD, but may look a lot darker or less sharp when printed!

Firmware needs serious update if this will fix the problem; also needs to fix lack of ability to turn off that annoying "image processing & preview" feature, plus allow more options over Sharpness Control - like 1 to 5 steps.

[blaireau_photo]

Hello Mike

If possible, would you be able to take a video where you notice this happening and then post it to YouTube? If you cut and paste the link into this forum I can take a look at the clip.

Thanks,

Simon

[Old_Taoist]

You are obsessed with "video" Simon! Sorry if my post made you confuse video with images. I meant images; as in photographs.

Links to review shots and comments: Read carefully!

No.1: The Seagull - "dappled". "chromatic aberration" further down the page.

http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/compact-digital-cameras/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-hx20v-review-50007951/

This is, unfortuynately, the only review & images I saw before purchase.:

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_cybershot_dsc_hx20v_review/

Oh dear, another new review here:

http://www.techspot.com/products/cameras/sony-cybershot-dsc-hx20v.83913/

• Expensive.
• Exposure issues.
• Lack of Raw capture.
• Lots of detail smudging, even at ISO 100.
• Tends to underexpose.
• Highlight clipping can be an issue at times.
• Only two apertures to choose from at any one time.

Plus, "expert Reviews" snap @ 125 sec ISO 800:

http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/gallery/reviews/1292485/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-hx20v/168133

http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/cameras/Sony/HX20v/Sony%20HX20v%20six%20general%20images/DSC0...

another sony product again!

[blaireau_photo]

Hello again

I have replied to all three of your current threads on the main post (the ABC list).

Thanks,

Simon

[ritasp]

Hi,

I bought my camera yesterday after carefully studying test results for several weeks. I made the conclusion, the DSC-HX20V should be a very good camera....

BUT, today I spend some time taking 70-80 pics (intelligent auto adjustment), indoors but mostly outdoors, and I think the result is very poor; not one pic is of acceptable quality :smileyeh:

My 5(?) year old Nikon coolpix 7600 makes better pictures :

So what is my problem? Am I world's worst photographer, have I got a Monday specimens or what.

I tried to insert some images but the scaling will not show them the way they are, I suppose : -(

Grateful for some answer...

Rita

[blaireau_photo]

Hello Rita - Welcome to the Sony Forums

It would be good if you could insert a few photos into this forum thread. If you are having trouble with attaching pictures, you could always upload them to flickr and then just post the sharing links in a message. If you head over to http://www.flickr.com and sign up for a free account, you will be able to upload some example images and link to them here.

Thanks,

Simon

[ritasp]

Thank you for your quick answer

I have uploaded some of the pics to http://www.flickr.com/photos/93987777@N07/

They aren't very nice...I've used the "intelligent autoadjustment"....

But then I took some pictures indoors, using the flash and these pictures are of very nice quality :smileygrin:

Best regards

Rita

[Mick2011 · Accepted solution]

Hi Rita

I had a look at your photos and I'm quite sure they are normal results for a small-sensor compact camera such as the HX20V.

The pictures you uploaded all have one thing in common: they are taken in very poor light.

This has several effects which are detrimental to a 'good' photo. First, the camera sets the lens to its widest setting. Most lenses produce the best results when they are closed down a little, as detail capture (especially at the edges of the frame) improves and overall sharpness increases. In compact cameras, this is even more important than more expensive gear. You can see the problems with this in the forest photos.

Secondly, the camera will use a slow shutter speed. This makes it difficult to avoid camera 'shake', which causes a photo to appear blurred. The pic of the full figure of the dog shows this problem quite clearly.

Third, as light levels fall below a certain point, the camera will start to use a higher ISO, which can also cause blurring of fine detail. You see this most in the cute pic of the dog facing the camera, taken at ISO640.

It's interesting to note you have good results using your flash indoors. You'll probably find the same sort of dramatic improvement shooting in good strong daylight, as the lens closes down, you have a faster shutter speed and the camera basically ceases to struggle with the lighting conditions.

Hopefully that will help you get photos you're happy with

Cheers

Mick