Champion_Munch wrote:The main problem is that they look great on the camera's LCD, but blur out a lot when I blow them up on the computer back home
Are you turning the steadyshot off when you mount the camera to the tripod? If you leave it on the shots will be blurry. Just remember to turn it back on before you start shooting handheld again. That's one thing I don't like about my RX100, having to dig through the menus to turn the damn thing off, it's too easy to forget.
It's also a good idea to use a 2 or 3 second timer so that any vibrations in your tripod from you pressing the shutter release can dissipate before the shutter trips.
Champion_Munch wrote:or look over/under-exposed in different areas
You could try using aperture priority mode instead of full manual to see what exposure time the camera is recommending. Then you can easily adjust the exposure compensation to your liking if you think the shot looks too dark / light. I usually leave my RX100 set on A and have the front control ring set to adjust the exposure comp. I also find f8 to be about the sweet spot on mine, f11 is a little soft due to diffraction creeping in.
Champion_Munch wrote:is it just a matter of taking more and more photos until I get better at it?
Yes. Looking at other peoples photos helps to give you ideas on what works and what doesn't but there is no substitute for practice. Critical evaluation of your own work is vital if you want to improve and the same goes for when you are looking at other peoples photos or even art in general. Look at the work of some famous photographers or painters and check the composition, the use of light and shadow, colour etc and see what works and what you like or don't like etc
Champion_Munch wrote:is it worthwhile going to RAW and fiddling on the computer afterwards?
If you are aiming to get as much image quality as possible from your captured images, yes. There is a lot more data in a raw file, things like shadow and highglight detail and colour etc. But that's one opinion, there are a lot of people who are perfectly happy shooting jpeg, it comes down to what you are trying to do and how much effort you want to put in. If you start shooting RAW then you will have to get Lightroom or some other program and that opens up a whol new learning curve...
Champion_Munch wrote:a few members suggested that some filters could help
I use a range of filters both ND and CPL but it's the circular polarising filter that I like the most. I bought one of these for my RX100 and it's been really useful
http://mogopod.com/products/magfilter.
Champion_Munch wrote:Any tips and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Waterfall / rainforest shots, in my opinion, are best taken on overcast or rainy days (actually most of my favourite shots regardless of location were taken when the weather was stormy or overcast
). The light is lovely and diffused, the highlights and shadows are balanced out and there is a lot of atmosphere especially if you are in mist or have spots of light coming through the clouds.
I find using a tripod is a good practice too. It makes you slow down and think about your composition a bit more plus the obvious benefit of helping you make sharper pictures or use longer shutter speeds
Most importantly, have fun. Mess around trying different things and just keep getting out there becasue you never know when the light is going to be epic!