I'm about to buy my first DSLR from Nikon. It seems all their pro stuff starts at ISO 200. I can only speak for my Kodak digital camera (4 megapixel camera) when I say that grain is a serious problem whenever I'm above even 80 ISO. I was wondering if this is a factor in the pro cameras (I'm thinking A70 or D100, or higher, etc.). Canon's pro cameras start at at least 100 ISO. I'm wondering why Nikon seems to be stuck at 200 ISO. I looked this up on www.imaging-resource.com and can't really find anything to indicate if this is a problem or not. I'm going to be venturing into the world of stock photography and I know that noise is a huge thing when you submit photos to agencies. I have NoiseNinja, but it's such a pain - would rather have the minimum noise possible. Any help or advice would be great. I already have Nikon lenses and a Nikon system, which is the only reason I'm thinking of a Nikon DSLR instead of Canon.
The large sensors in DSLR cameras produce much less noise than the smallers sensors used in the top "integrated" digitals targeted at consumers. In many cases ISO1600 on the DSLR will be a little better than 400 on a smaller sensor camera.
On consumer cameras like your the photo sensor are so small. It increase the noise very much. Try to get some original files of photography tests in //www.dpreview.com and compare noise levels of your camera with these that you want to buy. I had impressed with the low noise of DSLs. I saw a picture taken at ISO 3200 with Cannon EOS 10D that are more clear that my camera at ISO 100! :)
Forgot to mention... in case you're interested, there's a great chart at imaging-resource (the only place I go for camera reviews online):
//www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/EOS1D2/E1DFEATURES.HTM
I'm in the shopping mode, myself. Just decided on the Pentax *ist D. It has the lowest noise of any sub-$2000 camera up until ISO 1600 (though it doesn't go below ISO 200). It is also the only DSLR I've seen that has zero in-camera sharpening. This prevents any moire or artifacts that can so readily occur with in-camera sharpening (the Nikon D70 seems especially prone to the moire problem and has a very large amount of in-camera sharpening). I don't know about most photographers, but I'd rather control the level of sharpening going on inside photoshop, rather than having just one set level before I can touch the image. The Canons are also very low noise and have moderate in-camera sharpening. The D100 shouldn't be a sharpening problem, but I'd be wary of the D70 if I were you--it was the DSLR I was least impressed with.
Thanks so mcuh for the caution. The sharpening problem is definitely an issue (a HUGE issue) with my Kodak and it's very annoying. Like you, i'd prefer to do my own sharpening in PhotoShop. Those stock agencies can be very picky as well and it's a lot harder to fix something already sharpened than to take something and add the sharpening. Thanks again for the advice.
I used to have Canon A70 and it produced a lot of noice at iso 400. Now I have a Rebel and it produce a much less noice at iso 1600. Would think that you could have a silky smooth images at iso 200 in the Nikon DSLR.
I'm in the shopping mode, myself. Just decided on the Pentax *ist D. It has the lowest noise of any sub-$2000 camera up until ISO 1600 (though it doesn't go below ISO 200). It is also the only DSLR I've seen that has zero in-camera sharpening. This prevents any moire or artifacts that can so readily occur with in-camera sharpening (the Nikon D70 seems especially prone to the moire problem and has a very large amount of in-camera sharpening). I don't know about most photographers, but I'd rather control the level of sharpening going on inside photoshop, rather than having just one set level before I can touch the image. The Canons are also very low noise and have moderate in-camera sharpening. The D100 shouldn't be a sharpening problem, but I'd be wary of the D70 if I were you--it was the DSLR I was least impressed with.
Why not shoot in RAW mode to avoid all that? Just my $0.02. :)
THanks for all the help and cautions. I went to the store last night and walked out five minutes later with the NikonD70 in my hand. I'm taking it out for a spin this weekend. Very excited to do a challenge with my brand new baby.
THanks for all the help and cautions. I went to the store last night and walked out five minutes later with the NikonD70 in my hand. I'm taking it out for a spin this weekend. Very excited to do a challenge with my brand new baby.
Congrats to you! what a great way to start the summer.
THanks for all the help and cautions. I went to the store last night and walked out five minutes later with the NikonD70 in my hand. I'm taking it out for a spin this weekend. Very excited to do a challenge with my brand new baby.
congrats to you, you just bought one of the best cams out there right now :) i'm jealous!
