Grainy image problem (I may be using the wrong term)...

[mnpsdad]

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Johnathen

Equipment:

BODY: Nikon D70S
LENS: Nikono DX AF-S NIKKOR 18-70mm 1:3.5-45.G ED

Settings:

DIAL: A (not auto, but A)
ISO: 200
F4.8
AF-S
WB= A

I'm looking to be able to zoom/crop my images but I'm noticing they are not very crisp (is grainy the correct term?).

img172.imageshack.us/img172/1332/grainyis5.jpg

--Sorry, I'm new to this forum, so you have to manually copy and past the link to a web browser.

[Sambo]

Johnathen,

Are you taking these photos in RAW format? If you are using jpg format, what resolution is the camera set at? If you use the lowest compression (extra fine) the shots should work out ok.

Sam

[mnpsdad]

Sorry, I forgot to include image type...

I'm shooting in RAW, but I get the same with JPG, FINE

[mnpsdad]

I think I got it figured out. I started playing with my settings (instead of relying on the AUTO) function...

[RTaylor]

It could be that you had your "A" Aperture set at 4.8. That will give you a shallow depth of field if you are taking landscape shots
If you aim at the furthest point in the scene at only 4.8 it might be trying to back focus which will look kinda grainy.
I have my lens set most times to infinity unless I am doing close up shots