mfurman wrote:
Earlier quote
Brit-007:
The best image should be with full frame That is exactly what we have been always hearing - "you need to have FF sensor for high S/N". The point, I have been trying to make is that we may be reaching FF sensor quality in a 1.6 crop camera. I am not certain about it but if it is the case, the myth of 5D (that I also subscribed to) may end. As I said, I am not stating that - just asking questions.
I believe the 7D is a step up from previous Canon crop sensor cameras (and I'm certainly not complaining about its quality). I've pre-ordered one, and wish I had it in my hands now.
Physics cannot be changed, however, so I don't believe you'll ever see the same S/N ratio between a crop camera and a FF camera--given the same photosite design. And larger pixels using the same photosite design will always have a better S/N ratio. Right? In some ways, we're comparing apples to oranges here with the 7D and the 5D or 5Dmk2.
Much of this IQ analysis also depends on the desired "end-state," i.e. viewing distance and display medium. This drives how we approach the "making" of photographic images. For example, how large of a print will be made? Where will it be viewed from? Is it for web publishing only? For a book? Etc., etc. We make decisions on how to shoot based on the circumstances (light, desired DOF, ISO, etc.).
Simply put, I want a crop camera for its throughput (and its focal-length multiplier coefficient) in order to cover action, sports and wildlife photography. I want a FF camera for portraits, landscapes, and the best possible image quality.
Two different purposes, two different cameras. The HD video is a throw-in bonus for both.