I’m posting these just to give people an idea of what to expect from the higher ISO levels. These were taken at a book launch at night in a cellar bar, so only artificial light. I left the camera on Auto White Balance and didn’t use a flash. I set the Auto ISO range from 100-25,600.
Personally, I’m going to try to not use the camera above ISO3200 and simply appreciate the increased performance above the original 5D’s ISO1600, which I prefer not to shoot beyond. But there will be times when a higher ISO simply allows you to get a shot you might not otherwise get (for forensic purposes, maybe – or if you’re going to process it, reduce it and post it on Facebook).
All images use a single point of focus (not necessarily in the centre), and exposure compensation of -1/3 (whether or not this is optimal for this sort of shooting, I don’t know – it’s just the setting I’ve used on ever Canon I’ve owned in the last 11 years, so I plugged it in out of habit).
Anyway, here they are -- shot with a 50/1.4, 100/2.8 L Macro, and a 135/2.
Time for breakfast now-- I’ll respond to the other nice notes after I get to work (it’s Monday morning here in Hong Kong). For the moment:
- No, I didn’t know you didn’t need a screen protector for the LCD (but will leave it on until I know more).
- No, I didn’t know a third-party battery would void your warranty (is that really true?).
- Yes, I will take some photos at base ISO as a next step.
- Yes, I will learn something about the new AF system soon (the crackling you hear is me removing the manual from the plastic).
