Yellow Mountains (IV)

[Wirefox]

... in-camera noise-reduction doesn't do a lot for RAW files - it's mostly just applied to JPEG images. In Yan's case the image was shot RAW at 800 ISO - which is perfectly OK, but, noise levels are starting to creep up. And if there's any degree of under-exposure then it quickly becomes more like an ISO 1600 image (or worse).

So in reality, there's not a lot of difference in RAW file noise between cameras like the 1Ds3, 5D2, 40D, 50D etc; I put all of these in the "more than adequate" category.

Thanks Colin, very enlightening. I had not realised this and since my only reason to buy a xD model would be the promise of less noise at high ISO you have potentially saved me a lot of money in the future. For my purposes the 40D or the 50D will indeed be more than adequate. All I have to do now is persuade WireVixen that we can afford a car each for the girls, a special holiday for our diamond wedding, send the youngest daughter to university and splash out for a 50D .. I think we may have to go for a used Jag next year. I wonder if WireVixen will accept an X type rather than a S type.....after all the you do get the same amount of noise

Steve

[Colin Southern]

Hi Steve,

1D series cameras have many advantages, but vastly superior noise performance isn't one of them

An accurate exposure is STILL the best way to prevent noise.

Where 1D cameras walk all over the rest is in areas such as AF performance, dual media, metering, weather sealing and build construction.

Honestly, once you've got used to the likes of the 1Ds3, the likes of the 5D2 feel like a cheap plastic toy.

[KentDub]

Don't go insulting my baby! I love my 5dmkII

[Dave Humphries]

Honestly, once you've got used to the likes of the 1Ds3, the likes of the 5D2 feel like a cheap plastic toy.

Fortunate indeed then, that most of us will never get the chance to ruin our perception of our "plastic toys".



Good job they also take decent photos though.

Cheers,