Chris S.
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 Re: best 200 iso-nikon? | |
Since the issue has come up, my D200 produces markedly better images at its base ISO of 100 than my D700 produces at its base of ISO 200.
Have been waiting to do more tests before posting this, as it surprised me. But I have done three side by side comparisons, and the D200 was better every time.
By "better," I mean several things. The first noticable thing in the tests is that the D200 images are more subjectively pleasing. On closer inspection, the D200 gives more transparent shadows with lower noise, and holds more detail in the highlights. Under processing in NX2, I can get a better image from the D200 files than those of the D700.
Notably, I was testing to see what the two cameras could do at base ISO, where I find the D200 wins. But of course, higher ISOs are handy for a lot of real world shooting, and when higher ISOs are needed, the D700 far outclasses the D200. But for macro and scenics, where the camera is on the tripod and I can shoot at base ISO, the older camera produces better files.
Details:
In my three tests, NEF files of matched scenes were taken with as little as possible in-camera processing. All were done under diffused strobe light, with camera on a tripod with the mirror locked up, using an electronic release and manual focus. Shutter speeds were changed to give a variety of exposures from underexposed through overexposed. Best exposures were compared in each case. Same lens used in all cases (80-400 Nikkor zoom). Aperture was f/8 for the D200 and F/11 for the D700--settings at which the apparent depth of field was closely matched. Zoom was adjusted to give same field of view for each camera (obviously necessary because the D700 uses more of the image circle)--but was always well within the sweet spot for this zoom.
My intent has been to do additional tests and make the NEF files available for download, but current committments make that impossible for the next month or so.
Cheers,
--Chris
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