snapsy wrote:
"These raw values are not appropriate for comparing camera models because they are not adjusted for gain or area."
Normalized to the same resolution the D3s, D4, and D750 have nearly identical SNR through their entire ISO range. Pretty much the same for DR with a slight advantage to the D3s/D4. Those are quantitative measurements. Qualitatively the D750 has better High ISO performance than both the D3s/D4 due to its lack of banding in the deep shadows.
Here's a link I generated to DxOMark comparing the three cameras:
from the measurements curves in dxo, the dr curves are the only thing stood out for me. the d750 has better dr up from the base to about 400 iso, then it dropped and stayed below the d3s and d4 as the iso increased.
if one is to equate dr with low light performance, then i do not see the d750 having any advantage over the d3s or d4 at iso 400 and higher.
1) these curves showed that if one needs more megapixel for larger prints or cropping, then the d750 and d4 are the way to go.
2) but if that is not of a concern, then the d3s is more than sufficient.
3) and if one also needs reliability and robustness, the pro body of the d4 or d3s is the way to go and provides the best bang for the buck in the long run.
for my field work, the d3s and d4 are the best choice in that order.
snapsy wrote:
"These raw values are not appropriate for comparing camera models because they are not adjusted for gain or area."
Normalized to the same resolution the D3s, D4, and D750 have nearly identical SNR through their entire ISO range. Pretty much the same for DR with a slight advantage to the D3s/D4. Those are quantitative measurements. Qualitatively the D750 has better High ISO performance than both the D3s/D4 due to its lack of banding in the deep shadows.
Here's a link I generated to DxOMark comparing the three cameras:
about the banding in the shadow, an image must be under-exposed by how many stops before banding exists when lifting the shadow? are we talking about a real life or just hypothetical scenario.
The D3s will be a very good step up from your D300 and even the D810 when it comes to low light focusing and high ISO work. I shoot high school theatre with a D3 at iso 3200 and the results are wonderful and usable for web viewing and printing up to 11x14 if not bigger.
My D3 has excellent focusing so I’m sure the 3s will perform better. I’m using f4 and f2.8 glass, so it would rock the 200f2.
So the question is: are 12mp enough for your use. Not much cropping is possible. And how high ISO do ya need. I’ve been comfortable at 3200, have not needed 4000 or 6400 yet so I can’t comment.
Everyone wants to push more MP and newer cameras. I’ve been fine with older stuff myself.
In good light I used ISO 6400 on my D3 and the results were ok.
I guess much comes down to the subject and your expectations. I found that from ISO 1200 up the D3 (not s) loses a lot of fine detail, like fur or feather detail. With that knowledge I never used my D3 over ISO 1200.
I replaced my D3 for a D800. I knew I would be comfortable shooting the D800 at ISO 2200 for just the same subjects, and knowing I would be able to hold on to the important detail.
There are a few things however the D3 did, which the D800 does not. One of them is accurate color reproduction. The D800 files require far more editing and fine tuning. The D3 files were almost good to go straight out of the camera.
I know a D810 is not a D800 and a D3 is not a D3s, but I'm just adding some food for thought. I keep on going with the D800 because it will give me more fine detail at higher ISO speeds, which, to me, is worth more then FPS or time required in post processing. Your mileage may very though.
All raw with treatment. They didn’t require much to begin with. I do most of my raw conversion in DxO. I also spent less then 10 minutes on each to get these results
I don't own a D810 but own a D800. I'm under the impression that the two cameras are extremely similar. I also own a D3S and it's just amazing. Fast and just works great in all situations. I can't imagine you wouldn't love it. I could easily part with my D800 but wouldn't dare part with my D3S.
