Look for the sharpness in the lower ISO settings. I think the D800 is the winner. But then look at ISO3200 and up and I think the tables turn quite rapidly.
I've been evaluating both bodies for video, hence the test.
Don't bother flaming about getting a video camera for video, I already have both
Interesting, it is tough to make an accurate assessment because of the difference in contrast.
I am amazed at how poor DSLRs are at high iso with video given their still performance (and also the sharpness of the video) but no doubt from needing to use line skipping and things since they were never meant to be video cameras.
Mark_L wrote:
Interesting, it is tough to make an accurate assessment because of the difference in contrast.
That's a valid point. I did do this test several times over, increasing saturation and contrast on the Nikon and decreasing it on the Canon.
The results were broadly similar. The D800 was always the sharper camera. The 5D3 was always the lower noise.
The 5D3 benefits from some sharpening in post whereas even the slightest sharpening on the D800 makes it pretty nasty!
So, with the D800 you get what you get. The 5D3 is not as sharp SOOC but does sharpen up quite a bit (though it's never quite as sharp as the D800 SOOC).
BTW - the Canon colours were actually more accurate, which TBH surprised me.