Just a quick heads up to say that I will post tonight a short test clip I did last night with the D3s at ridiculous ISO setting (ISO 25-102k). My only comment is “wow!”. Even with a f2.8 aperture, the camera was able to see stuff that my eyes could not! Imagine how it will perform with a ‘real’ low light lens!
More on this tonight once I have imported everything.
You must have noticed by now that a lot of cinephotographers are using old Nikon or Zeiss lenses with their 5DMrkII. These lenses allow their owner to set the aperture directly on the lens, removing one of the variable of the automatic exposure control in video mode.
I must admit that I was about to get one of these. They are just so more convenient than the series of tasks required to get the desired aperture/ISO/shutter speed.
Well, if you can wait a few more days (or week), the next firmware update from Canon might make these lenses obsolete!
Ok, this is all rumors and speculations from www.5dfix.com but it seems plausible in the current context. Lets not forget that competitors are coming in with video d-SLR or bridge cameras too and they have been listening to all cinephotographers complains! They offer full control over the exposure triangle, 24p and even 60fps!
Nothing like competition to push innovation! And nothing like a rumors to give us hope!
Photography Bay released an interesting comparison between the 5D and the D700. The goal of the test was to see how each body performed in low light at high ISO.
While I am happy the 5D came on top, it had to be expected since it is a more recent model and images were down-sampled to the lower denominator. As it is pointed out in the review, there are no totally objective way to make these reviews since so many parameters come into play.
That being said, I disagree with his conclusion stating that Canon should have kept the pixel count lower to have a better ISO performance.
First, down-sampling the pictures shows the 5D already has great performance at the 12 megapixel EPD (Equivalent Pixel Density, just made that up). So, as long as you dont need the full image resolution (when is the last time you printed a A2 anyways?), you know you are going to have a lower noise image.
The other reason is flexibility. I rather have the choice between noise and resolution than no choice at all.
People tend to forget that high resolution is required for:
- Straighten crooked pictures (if you zoom out a bit when taking the shots)
- Photoshop manipulations
My conclusion after looking at the review? Another test must be done against the D3 just to fuel some brand war, and as luck would have it, I have access to a D3. Stay tuned!
