alundeb wrote:
That's different. Going beynd 10MP on a 1/1.7" sensor sends you into diffraction territory already from f/2.8.
But keep in mind that f/2.8 on a compact camera has roughly the same DoF as f/11 on an SLR. f/2.8 on a compact camera is useful for a lot more types of photography than f/2.8 on an SLR. You can use f/2.8 for landscapes, architecture, and macro on a compact, for example.
I haven't done the math yet... but the small pixels on an 18 MP APS-C sensor will probably exhibit diffraction effects around f/6.3 or f/5.6. That comes way too early for an SLR, especially if you're looking to maximize depth of field. Landscape photographers typically shoot f/8 to f/11 on APS-C... and that's definitely far beyond the safe zone of an EOS 7D. In fact, I would seriously doubt the EOS 7D will resolve any more detail than a 450D at f/11. Same problem exists for architectural or macro photography.
The only way to see the benefits of an 18 MP APS-C sensor is by shooting at larger apertures (with exceptional lenses that look great at those apertures). A sports or wildlife photographer would enjoy using the 7D with a 400 f2.8 lens. But a macro or landscape photographer will rarely see much difference in resolution between a 7D and a 450D --- not at the apertures they're typically using.
This has been discussed by our friends from the dark side in a poorly titled thread btw : https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/809446 (go to page 8 for the discussion about diffraction). Enjoy
Fred Relaix wrote:
This has been discussed by our friends from the dark side in a poorly titled thread btw : https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/809446 (go to page 8 for the discussion about diffraction). Enjoy
Good thread, especially p. 9 with the examples there. I think a 18MP will always resolve more details than a 10-12-15MP at ANY aperture, not matter what diffraction limit tells us.
stargazer78 wrote:
Landscape photographers typically shoot f/8 to f/11 on APS-C... and that's definitely far beyond the safe zone of an EOS 7D.
I never understand why people talk as though diffraction will make your camera explode. There is nothing dangerous about a little bit of diffraction. You may have to increase your sharpening level from 3/10 to 4/10 though. Otherwise it's business as usual. Failing to achieve maximum attainable contrast between adjacent pixels is not a crime.
I have to admit this is all very interesting and educational. So different from when I packed around a 4X5 view or walked with my 6X7. I have to admit I like the way digital is finally heading. I do wish reds would look more natural but it may be the processing but I think the Canon sensor seems to have had a bit more difficulty with it.
Thanks for Posting, images posted are pretty impressive at the lower ISO setting used! He really likes the AF system! I have mine on pre-order, cannot wait to get it .
"It´s true what you say about problems with AF on the Mark III cameras with very bright backgrounds. I only had the 7D camera available for testing for 4 hours and didn´t got the opportunity to test it in all different situations, but my experience so far is that the 7D AF-system is better than the Mark III…"
"To be honest, I don´t care if the camera has a 1,3 or 1,6 crop-factor. The image quality is the most important think for me, and after that AF-system and durability. It seems to me that the Canon 1D Mark III has better shutter system and should also still be more rugged, but the different is not that big!
The battery capacity of the Canon 5D Mark II impressed me a lot on Svalbard this winter with -30 C and and really bad weather. I think I had to charge the battery only one time during the whole week. Maybe the Mark III battery capacity still is better, but I don´t think the difference is so big. I use both the Canon 1DS Mark III and 5D Mark II on assignments and expeditions, so I have some experience with the battery capacities of these cameras in the field.
In my case, I have already sold my 1D Mark III, and will replace it with 7D very soon… Hopefully there will be a 1D Mark IV soon, but in the meantime I will use the 7D (and 1DS Mark III) for action photography.."
I haven't read all the posts in this topic. Has anyone linked to the photo posted here by one of our own, (liquidstone)? He had access to a beta ver for 2 days. One shot posted in Nature and Wildlife with a link to more.
Ron
