How does your camera handle high ISO?

[usayit]

Today I learned that Epson made a badass digital rangefinder...

Never would have guessed

The story from my understanding is...

Leica responded to the masses that a digital M-mount rangefinder is not possible with current technology due to the short flange distance.

In 2004, Epson surprised everyone by releasing the digital M-mount equipped R-D1. Apparently, the CEO (or some big shot from Epson) was a big fan of Leica and did a wonderful job pulling the resources together to make the R-D1 a reality. They didn't dedicate much of their manufacturing resources to the project so only a few were made and in general, retailed only in Japan. The R-D1 *IS* the first digital rangefinder.. a title stolen from Leica when they least expected. I believe original retail MSRP was $3000.

In 2006, Leica released the M8. Epson took losses on the R-D1. Both the M8 and R-D1 had teething problems but Leica's loyal (and rich base) kept it profitable. Epson lost out and pulled out announcing minor updates (R-D1s and R-D1x). I bought one as a refurb program to push out repaired R-D1 returns (assuming to recup some of their losses).

So I guess it is holding its value since it is the first and very uniquely designed... probably becoming somewhat of a collectors' item.

- I thought the Leica m9 was the only digital rangefinder (and it's full frame too I think), and now the Fuji that was just introduced.

Leica M8 with a x1.33 crop was the first digital rangefinder from Leica. It does have better IQ than the R-D1 but gets pretty darn ugly as the ISO settings climb. You are correct the M9 is full frame... I just noticed that they are finally catching up in production (waiting list was going on 1 year +). I'm thinking about it.... saving still.. I think the M9 IS the more refined M8 .. and along with that a more "refined experience".

============

Here are the same samples of the Panasonic G1. They were taken for another forum until I was rudely "attacked" for claiming that the Epson was capable of better IQ at high ISOs than the newer more denser packed sensor'd G1. Needless to say, I no longer participate there. G1 samples also at ISO 1600 with a 35mm f/2.5 Summarit len (adapted) to try to keep the FOV close for comparison.

crop

Note... Didn't have the Olympus E-PL1 at the time but from what I see, it trumps the Panny G1 in terms of high ISO performance too.

 

[Scatterbrained]

5d2 ISO 25600, untouched except for a raw to Jpeg conversion. Due to the size of the high ISO files I had to save them at quality level 8 instead of 10 but whatever. Full size.

100%crop

ISO 3200 test full size

ISO 3200 100% crop

 

[Neil S.]

5d2 ISO 25600, untouched except for a raw to Jpeg conversion. Due to the size of the high ISO files I had to save them at quality level 8 instead of 10 but whatever. Full size.

I want a 5D mk II too lol...

 

[Overread]

Id be happy with just a clean ISO 800 - 3200 is just being greedy!

 

[gsgary]

ISO3200 5Dmk1 300mmF2.8L

 

[misstwinklytoes]

Here's mine.
It's a Pentax K7. I don't know if I did this right though. I turned off all in camera noise reduction.
I didnt alter any colors, no editing. This is straight out of the camera F2.8, 1/80, built in flash. Shot indoors obviously.
Pentax glass. I'm not sure the glass really matters for noise tests.

I won't be using this setting. It's awful from my camera.
This is the reason I'm thinking of going full frame. I need the speed and a camera that controls noise better than this.
Hope you don't mind my posting to your thread.
If I did this wrong , please inform.
Oh I'm not sure the cropped version is a 100% crop either.

What was your ISO? Did I overlook it?

 

[Scatterbrained]

ISO3200 5Dmk1 300mmF2.8L

Didn't you know you're not supposed to shoot action with the 5ds? They simply won't do it. If you don't believe me listen to all the internet non 5D owners out there. The autofocus just.....won't....keep.....up. Of course I've done dog Frisbee shows at 11pm before but I probably don't know what I'm doing either. :blushing:

 

[LCARSx32]

Wow, those 5D MKII's are nice.

KP007: Does Pentax still use the "PK" bayonet mount for those? I used to have a ZX-50 Consumer 35mm SLR that I adored. I couldn't find any used Pentax DSLRs when I made the switch from film to digital, otherwise I'd still be shooting Pentax.

 

[kundalini]

I remembered this thread while downtown last night and thought I'd let the D700 stretch its legs a bit. I only carried my 20mm f/2.8 & 85mm f/1.8.

ISO2500, f/2.0, 1/50s, 85mm

ISO3200, f/2.0, 1/80s, 85mm

ISO3200, f/3.2, 1/40s, 20mm

ISO6400, f/2.8, 1/40s, 20mm

.​

 

[usayit]

KP007: Does Pentax still use the "PK" bayonet mount for those? I used to have a ZX-50 Consumer 35mm SLR that I adored. I couldn't find any used Pentax DSLRs when I made the switch from film to digital, otherwise I'd still be shooting Pentax.

Yes... Pentax DSLRs still use the same bayonet which is nice if you have older manual lenses. They still impliment the aperture lever to engage the aperture diaghram in the lenses which means auto stop down and metering. Works just like it was the older film cameras.

Pentax was a late comer to digital SLRs and had problems (still do) getting retail pipeline going. Its no surprise that used cameras can be difficult to find.... easier today though.

 

[MohaimenK]

Took today between 4000 and 5000 ISO. Haven't tried 6400 yet but will eventually!

 

[Scatterbrained]

You should be fine at 6400 if you get the exposure right. There is very little room to push the exposure at the higher ISO, the red pattern noise shows up really quickly. your best bet is to overexpose by a third or two thirds if you can and then pull it back down in post.

 

[gsgary]

ISO3200 5Dmk1 300mmF2.8L

Didn't you know you're not supposed to shoot action with the 5ds? They simply won't do it. If you don't believe me listen to all the internet non 5D owners out there. The autofocus just.....won't....keep.....up. Of course I've done dog Frisbee shows at 11pm before but I probably don't know what I'm doing either. :blushing:

It all depends on who is using it