Hi Richard,
Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.
Based on the information you have provided, I understand that you facing issue snipping tool in Windows 8. I will certainly
help you with this issue.
In which file format you are saving the screen shot?
Try saving the screenshot as .PNG or .JPG and check the quality.
Refer to the link.
Use Snipping Tool to capture screen shots
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows-8/use-snipping-tool-capture-screen-shots
If you face any more issues while working with Windows do post on Microsoft Community Forum.