PowerShot SX70 HS Pics are soft and lack detail

[Wilsonsteeup]

My previous camera was a SX 520 HS PowerShot.  My favorite setting was LIVE.  I got the most beautiful, clear, sharp photos using that setting.  It started making funny sizzling sounds, the screen would go black and shut down.  I got a new SX 70 HS and have yet to get a nice clear shot.  I am having the hardest time with all the settings.  All my photos have soft edges.  I captured the dimples on the moon with my old camera.  Now, not even close.

My question is, is there a setting I have not found on my new SX 70 HS that compares to the LIVE setting on my old  SX 520 HS.

Thank you in advance...Adrienne

[NatalyaP]

Greetings Wilsonsteeup,

Let's check to see how sharp the images come out when shooting in other settings, like the Automatic or Program (P) shooting mode, and test this in a bright environemnt, like during the middle of the day and outside where there is plenty of light.

Please check to see if there is any debris on the front of the lens and you may use a soft dry microfiber cloth to wipe the lens.

If the images still appear soft, then we would suggest on sending the PowerShot SX70 HS camera to our facility for service.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. has created a new online repair portal that allows you to set up service in a few simple steps. The repair portal gives you the ability to set up service for multiple pieces of equipment at once, and to receive a repair estimate in the majority of cases, depending on your model and issue. The portal also allows you to upload images or videos that will assist us in repairing your product. You can also select how you wish to be notified of the progress of your repair. The portal's service history section allows you to view all services that have been performed on any of your camera or video products since January 7, 2020.

Please follow the link below to access our online repair portal to arrange for service:

https://mycanon.usa.canon.com/signin

Instructions for Accessing and Using the Online Repair Portal.

You will need to access or create your My Canon Account.

If you already have a My Canon Account and your product is already registered, simply click on the “Get Repair Services” link on the left menu and follow the onscreen instructions to arrange for service for your product.

If you have a My Canon Account and your product is not registered, you must register your product first. Click on the “Get Repair Services” link on the left menu, then click on the “Register Product” link on the right. After your product is registered, click on the “Get Repair Service” link on the left menu and follow the onscreen instructions to arrange for service for your product.

If you do not have a My Canon Account, you will need to create one. After you create your account, click on the “Add Product” link to register your first product. After your product is registered, click on the “Get Repair Service” link on the left menu and follow the onscreen instructions to arrange for service for your product.

Once you have completed the repair request, you will have an opportunity to print a copy of the request for your records. This request form will also contain shipping instructions and an address label that you will attach to the outside of your shipping box when mailing your equipment for repair.

[Wilsonsteeup]

Thank you so much for the reply NatalyaP, I will look at the daytime photos and compare.  I sure hope my "new" camera doesn't need to be repaired before I've really been able to use it.

Are you familiar with the LIVE setting on the SX 520?  Does the SX 70 have a similar setting?

Thank you in advance...Adrienne

[MathieuR]

Well, I have a brandnew SX70, and I am trying to get the same "detail" as with my SX50.

The pictures I take with the SX70 have beautifull colors, and are sharp, but not as "crisp" as those from the SX50 using the same conditions.

I shoot normally in RAW, and to compare the results, I slided i DPP the noise reduction of luminance AND chrominance to zero. Sharpness increases, but not to the level of the SX50.

I have read same comment in many fora, and now I see it for myself.

Are we all doing something wrong?

[Wilsonsteeup]

Mathieu, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. The previous answer was a possibility but considering what I spent on my "new" camera, I hope it doesn't need to be repaired.  I am doing what was also suggested and comparing my daytime photos.

I am shooting in RAW but will look at my settings and compare with what you did with the noise reductions, etc.  I was also having a problem with a blue tint and read that the "white balance" needed to be adjusted which worked well.

I loved my SX 520 so much and was so disappointed when it started having issues.  If there was a setting on this SX 70 like the LIVE setting on my old SX 520, I was really hoping someone can point me in that direction. 

I agree, are we all doing something wrong?  This camera much more expensive than my SX 520 and I expected it to be better than it has been so far.

Thank you for commenting!!  Adrienne

[MathieuR]

the SX70 HS has a "LIVE" setting. But it only works if you photograph in JPG. If you use JPG/RAW combined, you can not change any settings.

Pictures taken in RAW can be given "LIVE" settings in DPP.

For JPG pictures: go to menu 3/style settings. Chose a style, and make adjustments after pushing the INFO button

[Wilsonsteeup]

Mathieu, my SX 520 actually had LIVE on the settings wheel on the top.  The SX 70 does not.  Can you tell me how to get the LIVE effect in JPG?  I have not had any luck finding anything that I would say compares.

So is the DPP something you downloaded from Canon from their website?  Is that how you adjust photos?  I will go back to JPG and adjust the settings as you mention and see what I get from that.

Right now I'm pretty frustrated and disappointed with the quality I'm getting and trying just about everything.

Thank you again in advance...

[MathieuR]

DPP is Canon's own free program to work with RAW-files; to be downloaded from their site

Yes, you are right. LIVE is not on the "wheel on the top".  I meant to say, by chosing the settings as I indicated, you can get more "sharper/contrast/saturation/color tone" in your jpg picture

[Wilsonsteeup]

Got it Mathieu, thank you.  I'll go look at the Canon site for that program and the settings for JPG. 

I really appreciate your sticking with me on my frustration!

P.S....just out of curiosity, do you know if you are you going to look for a different camera or stick with this SX 70 and work on the adjustments?  Just curious!!

[MathieuR]

I love the IQ of the SX70, and the excellent EVF.

But, I think I'm going to sell it, and keep using my old thrustwurthy SX50

(I have a R6II for "serieus" subject, but I use the bridge as walkaround)