D200 / D300 ISO Test

[Phil T]

As requested - here is the comparison.
Both cameras set to Manual - 125/sec, f9, ISO H.03, Auto WB, both 70mm, as far as I can tell identical settings (but I'm no expert at this level):

D200 (Sigma 24-70 f2.8 lens)

D300 (Nikkor 18-200 VR)

Both reduced to 160kb but no other PP at all.

Comments on images or my "scientific" approach welcome!

 

[PeteStewardson]

Need to use the same lens on both cams to get an accurate comparison.

 

[Phil T]

Hmmm...have to have another go later today. I thought there was a huge difference but I'm afraid I'm a bit ignorant when it comes to this kind of detailed comparison. WIll wait for other suggestions on subject, backdrop, settings & have another crack.

The Sigma was your old lens anyway wasn't it?!?!?

 

[awp]

D300 shot looks way over exposed. What is the point of doing a test like this anyway?

 

[Phil T]

Comparison between the sensors at high ISO (3200). All I can say is that afaik both cameras were set up identically in every setting but had different lenses attached. It's possible some other setting buried deep in a menu may have contributed - sorry I'm out of my depth here, just trying to be helpful.

 

[awp]

Appreciated!
The think most folks accept the D300 will give a better result at high ISO - but here's a shot I did yesterday with the D200 @ 3200!! You can check the Exif. Surprised me as well!

 

[Yv]

Useful idea Phil. Definately try again with same lenses, but also, perhaps try in a good light condition, outdoors maybe, and in poor light using longer exposures, as thats where I find the D200 really shows its noise levels.

 

[Phil T]

Thanks LL - as you've gathered all pointers appreciated!

 

[Slapo]

But would you really use higher isos for longer exposures? I mean longer than 1/30.

The lighting and lens need to be exactly the same, focused on the same spot, with the same camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, etc.), the same white balance settings.
Otherwise the comparison won't be fair enough.

Btw., raw or jpeg? I'd use raw and convert it in e.g. dcraw, as it doesn't apply any sharpening or noise reduction by default. In fact, there isn't a built in algorithm for sharpening in dcraw, which I think is completely fine. There are, however, ways to reduce noise and CA in dcraw.
That or Capture NX if you can turn noise reduction and sharpening completely off.

 

[Yv]

I should be more specific, by longer exposures, I am talking 1/60 - 1/80 - ie, night is falling, you have that lovely F2.8 bolted to the front, but no tripod... so up the ISO and find a suitable resting place, or worse, handhold.....

 

[pxl8]

Ok, here's what I was thinking of.

The test scene

Then move in and focus the lens at infinity so that everything is OOF - that way any detail is just the sensor noise

Finally, take a 100% crop from full frame that covers the shadow and highlight areas and post that so the noise is revealed in all its glory.

These shots were just standard jpg from camera with no post work. 40D ISO3200 in case you're wondering...

 

[Phil T]

Thansk Pxl8 - that makes more sense to me now. Will have another bash soon.