High ISO Images on D3x

[chngpe01]

Had a D3x for an out door job yesterday that requires hi res images. (I was too lazy to use my digi back so decided to loaned a D3x from Nikon). Since I had the camera I decided to do a quick test on the hi ISO capability, today, when I went to the temple to give thanks for 2008.

This is just a quick test and hence I did not bring any tripod except the D3x and a 24-70mm 2.8 AFS lens, No sharpening even in camera, no PS, Hi ISO setting in camera is set at low. Except for re size for the first images of every ISO. ie images direct from camera. Images are JPEG hi, cannot open the NEF images in CS3 as there are no D3x camera RAW for CS3 yet.


The images are taken from ISO 1600, Hi 0.3 (ISO 2080), Hi 0.7 (ISO 2720) Hi 1.0 (ISO 3200) and Hi 2.0 (ISO 6400)

In my opinion the ISO at 1600 is quite ok and usable up to 3200, of course it again depends on the usage and level of tolerance for the job



This is at ISO 1600 f2.8, 1/25



The various 100% cropped sectors at ISO 1600

ISO 1600 - Sector A



ISO 1600 - Sector B



ISO 1600 - Sector C



ISO 1600 - Sector D

[chngpe01]

This is at Hi 0.3 ie ISO 2080 f2.8, 1/40s



The various 100% cropped sectors at ISO 2080

Hi 0.3 ie ISO 2080 - Sector A



Hi 0.3 ie ISO 2080 - Sector B



IHi 0.3 ie ISO 2080 - Sector C



Hi 0.3 ie ISO 2080 - Sector D

[chngpe01]

This is at Hi 0.7 ie ISO 2720, f2.8 1/50s



The various 100% cropped sectors at ISO Hi 0.7 ie ISO 2720

Hi 0.7 ie ISO 2720 - Sector A



Hi 0.7 ie ISO 2720 - Sector B



Hi 0.7 ie ISO 2720 - Sector C



Hi 0.7 ie ISO 2720 - Sector D

[chngpe01]

This is at Hi 1.0 ie ISO 3200, f2.8, 1/80s



The various 100% cropped sectors at ISO Hi 1.0 ISO 3200

Hi 1.0 ie ISO 3200 - Sector A



Hi 1.0 ie ISO 3200 - Sector B



Hi 1.0 ie ISO 3200 - Sector C



Hi 1.0 ie ISO 3200 - Sector D

[chngpe01]

This is at Hi 2.0 ie ISO 6400 f2.8, 1/125s



The various 100% cropped sectors at Hi 2.0 ie ISO 6400

Hi 2.0 ie ISO 6400 - Sector A



Hi 2.0 ie ISO 6400 - Sector B



Hi 2.0 ie ISO 6400 - Sector C



Hi 2.0 ie ISO 6400 - Sector D

[sin77]

wow... even 6400 is useable.
Later i go test my D90... haha

[prolensdreamer]

Thks for the sharing.
If I have a chance to use DX3(only in my dream), I think will keep the ISO below 1600.

[jeff3tan]

Gosh

At ISO 6400 it looks like ISO 1600 on a D300

[Ambious]

But funny thing is that D3x has a lower ISO tolerance then D3 itself. I mean D3 has the ability to shoot @ ISO 25,600 n cost only a fraction than D3x. Even I don't hold a D3, I still find my D700 perform very well in concert event shoot @ ISO 6,400. I ever tried with some shots @ ISO 12,800. Still find it alright.

If just for a 24MP sensor, I don't think it justify the cost. Unless u r talking about Medium Format market, then that's another story.

[Die Hard]

Thanks for sharing I still find D3 ISO are better anyway not much people will need to shoot @ 24MP> I find that 12MP are good liao. Anyway nice job.
Just my 2 cents.

[ortega]

jeanie ...... time to warm up your credit card

[chngpe01]

Originally Posted by Ambious But funny thing is that D3x has a lower ISO tolerance then D3 itself. I mean D3 has the ability to shoot @ ISO 25,600 n cost only a fraction than D3x. Even I don't hold a D3, I still find my D700 perform very well in concert event shoot @ ISO 6,400. I ever tried with some shots @ ISO 12,800. Still find it alright. If just for a 24MP sensor, I don't think it justify the cost. Unless u r talking about Medium Format market, then that's another story.

Yes we are talking about another stoey. Not for those who do not need that hi res

[Lumiere]

Originally Posted by ortega jeanie ...... time to warm up your credit card

not cash and carry?
$12k++ inside a briefcase...pass to the vendor and exchange for a golden box

[dankar]

Wow, thanks for sharing the image. Visit temple with D3X, you would be bless with a brand new D3X soon.

Once the price falls below 11K, buy buy buy...

[jeanie]

Originally Posted by ortega jeanie ...... time to warm up your credit card

honestly, i find the iso6400 very usable....in my context that is.

for my d3, i dont even shoot anything beyond 6400.

guys....if you worry about noise, try DFINE 2.0.
this program WORKS like a dream to remove noise.

with D3 and DFINE......you are king/queen of low light photography.

trust me on this.

[jeanie]

pengpeng ah...
what they do with the loan camera after you return ah?
clean it up, repackage and sell it????
i wonder wonder wonder.....

[chngpe01]

Originally Posted by jeanie pengpeng ah... what they do with the loan camera after you return ah? clean it up, repackage and sell it???? i wonder wonder wonder.....

They sell to me at 30% of retail price (fat hope)

They need to keep a couple of demo sets for loan to eg. press or mags for reviews or sometimes photog who need a temp loan for work while their set(D3x) are in for repairs.

I was lucky I guess.

[ahleksi]

I do noticed that at even at high ISO, if the photos are taken under relatively good lighting, the digital noise is normally still pretty bearable.

Perhaps a true test of D3X high ISO cap is to take some shots under low light condition.

Just some personal observation.

[captainjack]

D700 has definitely better ISO noise tolerance than D3x. High MP comes with a price.

[chngpe01]

Originally Posted by ahleksi I do noticed that at even at high ISO, if the photos are taken under relatively good lighting, the digital noise is normally still pretty bearable. Perhaps a true test of D3X high ISO cap is to take some shots under low light condition. Just some personal observation.

Hope you know what you are talking about.

You mean at ISO 1600, f2.8, 1/25s (without flash) is considered a relatively good lighting condition?

So what setting would you figure would be a low light condition?