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Canon 5d noise?

Discussion

7 replies
Posted by Jesse Speer on April 7, 2006 at 1:32 PM
5d owners, please confirm or deny this report ...

I recently read a review online where the author was reporting noise issues at ISO 50. Of course, I didn't bookmark the review, got distracted and don't remember how much of an issue it was for him (just that it was higher than ISO 100). I do remember him commenting that this is why they made ISO 50 a custom function, and not a standard setting.

Sure, I can test for myself when I get it, but I'd like to hear any comments from those who have been using it for awhile now. Thanks!
Posted by Scott Rosenberg on April 7, 2006 at 1:39 PM
jesse, according to bob atkins, noise doesn't become an issue until around iso 1600...

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_5d_review_2.html

scott
Posted by Jesse Speer on April 7, 2006 at 1:51 PM
I guess I should have checked the various forums about this issue before posting this. Seems like many users are reporting reduced dynamic range and increased noise at ISO 50. Bob's review does mention reduced dynamic range at 50 as well. Probably not a big deal anyway,as 100 has been great for me. Just interesting.
Posted by Scott Borger on April 7, 2006 at 4:02 PM
I shoot most of my shots at 100-200 ISO and I have not seen any noise in the 100 ISO shots. My understanding was that the 5D excells at not showing noise until very high ranges (1600 and beyond). I have not checked the noise at ISO 50, but there really aren't alternatives to the 5D even if this is a problem (It's 4-5MP away from both the 20D and the Mark II).
Posted by Jesse Speer on April 7, 2006 at 5:12 PM
I understand the 5d is a top performer in terms of noise at 100 and above. I was just curious if anyone here has actually used 50 ISO and can comment on this particular issue. I simply ask because I had expected to rely heavily on this expanded setting (assuming there would be even less noise), until I discovered the various comments online. I've ready more today and confirmed I won't be using 50. Thanks!
Posted by Todd Caudle on April 7, 2006 at 5:16 PM
I've pumped nearly 4,000 images through my 5D since buying it last September, and I've never shot it at 50. For me, 100-200, with a very occasional 400, has fit the bill. If I want a slower shutter speed, I just drop in a polarizer.
Posted by Scott Rosenberg on April 7, 2006 at 10:33 PM
ah, you kids and your crazy whiz-bang toys. lower iso, smaller grain - aint it that simple??
Posted by Bill Green on April 10, 2006 at 2:55 PM
I can't imagine a possible use for 50 iso as the image quality will be worse than native ISO (100). If necessary you can add a polarizer or ND filer.