D200 vs D2x noise tests

[AzRich]

So I thought I would do a test. Tripod mounted, same lens (30mm f1.4 @ 2.2), WB set via exposisc, same metering, same everything on each camera.

And what did I screw up? Well, the d2x wasn't focused very well :) Not vital for a noise test really.

http://www.pbase.com/azrichg/nikon_raw

Password is 'noise' ... go figure.

I converted the files in Bibble with no NR or sharpening. Personally, I think the D200 shows it handles noise a little better starting around ISO800... and interestingly enough, I see some banding starting around 640. At 1600 and 3200 I think the D200 looks better.

Hope someone finds them enlightening. I think the D200's NR algorithms are better than the d2x's from the out of camera jpgs. Seems to me that the D200 jpgs at high ISOs look a lot like the S3pro jpgs.

Also, as an aside, the crop size is the same on each camera, so it's a good example of how much more detail 12mp gets you over 10mp.... NOT THAT MUCH! But we knew that :)

[Serge]

Rich,

thanks for going to all the effort, I'm sure many of us will find it enlightening, if we can see them, need a password to view ;)


I have to beg to differ on you remark;

" the d2x wasn't focused very well Not vital for a noise test really."

Out of focus subjects definitely look grainier on film, so digital noise would equally be influnced by the larger "circles of confusion" formed in the process of subject definition by an unfocussed optic.

The D200 sounds excitng!


and I just got the Noise :dunce:


and interesting library :cheers: