I think a lot of the criticism of hi ISO noise in the D2X and how you "can't shoot it" above ISO 200 is just people regurgitating rumors they have read on the forums. Most of these people don't even own a D2X. Certainly they have never shot hi speed film. Heck, I remember when Tri-X was grainy as hell (before the days of 1600 and 3200 film).
Bert MacGregor wrote:
Interesting comment and I'm not arguing your point but why would the results be different in available light? I thought proper exposure was the key to low noise.
I have also observed that shadow noise on my D70 is 'not so great' for non-flash high ISO pics. Also, my D2H generated pretty bad non-flash high ISO pics even when the histogram was "pushed to the right".
In my experience: throw some flash at a scene and things look a lot different even with high ISO. This is just my casual observation................ not a conclusion. Perhaps someone with more experience could help with the reasons for this.
"In my experience: throw some flash at a scene and things look a lot different even with high ISO. This is just my casual observation................ not a conclusion. Perhaps someone with more experience could help with the reasons for this."
Just a guess, but maybe the flash reduces the exposure time, and hence thermal noise etc is less problematic? I would guess that the random background signal noise is just that, random. Hence do a long exposure, and you pick up lots. Do a short exposure, and you pick up a little. As I say, this is no more than a guess.
Do you ever shoot many photos with the intention of converting to black and white? I love old B&W photos where you can see some film grain. I figured maybe ISO 3200 converted to B&W might have a cool look. Then again, the grain is tough to see unless one is viewing a 100% crop which means more grain might need to be added. This would only work for me when shooting an old ghost town or the like. I haven't gotten around to trying it yet but maybe someone here has?
Greg
Hi Greg. This is one of the things I like about the noise on the X. I deliberately jack up the ISO to get the grain effect I want, and to me, looks great as a B&W. I usually have to increase the contrast too, but overall, a nice effect.
well, flash does help, how's it look with no flash?
I find the iso 400 images give me a nice amount of grain that look especially good converted to B&W as well. In fact, I may be the only Canon shooter who adds noise, soft focus blur effects, and vignetting to his photos as well Maybe that's the creative Nikonian in me
Maybe that's the creative Nikonian in me