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Noise tests - Part II


1Ds and 400mm f/4 DO + 1.4x II extender ( ISO 200 ): Unsharpened 100% crop | Resized larger image

 

Let's dive further into how this camera handles that unwanted imperfection called noise. Take a look at the crop samples on this page for a magnified view of the color and luma 1Ds noise characteristics. The above image is virtually noiseless and has incredible detail at ISO 200. This brings me to believe that digital noise on the new 1Ds images is very similar to that on the D30/D60 images, since they all share the same type CMOS sensor. Through exploring these "real images", shot at different ISO settings, I hope you will get a sense of what to expect from this camera when shooting in the "real world."

Noise starts to creep up on 1Ds images at ISO 400. This noise is visible at 100% magnification, but not noticeable in prints up to 8x10 inches. Although minimal, images shot at ISO 400 display traces of color noise that will show up in any larger size print. Fortunately, chroma noise is the easiest one to reduce in software.
Below is an image shot at ISO 400 for you to inspect. Click on the "Unsharpened 100% crop" to see how chroma noise plays a role on this image.

 


1Ds and 400mm f/4 DO ( ISO 400 ): Unsharpened 100% crop | Resized larger image

 

Now, let's take a plunge over to the highest ISO setting available on the 1Ds: ISO 1250. In my opinion, at this ISO setting, color noise is blatantly obvious and noticeable. However, I think these images are still usable. I assume Canon engineers have their reasons for not providing an ISO setting higher than 1250. My experience is that ISO 1250 shots that are intentionally underexposed and then pushed back, either in Photoshop or by using Canon's lifesaver digital exposure compensation, still look usable and make for nice 8x10 inch prints. The below shot was taken at ISO 1250 using a 100mm f/2.8 macro lens.

 


1Ds and 100mm f/2.8 macro ( ISO 1250 ): Unsharpened 100% crop | Resized larger image

 

The ISO 640, an intermediate ISO setting, seems to offer the best compromise between higher shutter speeds and noise level. At this ISO setting, the 1Ds provides sharp images and moderate color and luma noise. When inspecting the channels separately, I could see an almost homogeneous degree of noise level within the channels.

 


1Ds and 100mm f/2.8 macro ( ISO 640 ): Unsharpened 100% crop | Resized larger image

 

To summarize, the 1Ds and the Canon D60 have similar noise characteristics. This is most likely due to the pixel density and sensor type used. Both cameras provide extremely clean images at up to ISO 400. However, at ISO 640+, noise starts to become an issue, especially when outputting large size prints. As mentioned before, the maximum ISO 1250 setting is still very usable, providing sharp and detailed images for small prints.