Both the new Canon 5D Mark III and the Nikon D4 offer extended high ISO modes, but how do they compare?
A Reddit user named Maxion has posted a high ISO comparison between the new Canon 5D Mark III and the Nikon D4. Sure, these two cameras are in completely different classes and were designed for different uses, but it’s still very interesting to see how they each handle noise at higher sensitivities!
Maxion photographed the same scene with the two cameras at ISO 12800 and 25600, and then resized the D4’s 16.2 megapixel file to match the size of the 5D Mark III’s 22.3 megapixels. All files were saved as best quality JPGs using Photoshop. Below you’ll find some 100% crops, but you’ll need to click here and here to open the files for 1:1 pixel accuracy. The final image is an ISO 51200 shot from the 5D III, which you can also view here.
Maxion drew the following conclusions:
On average the 5DIII seems to have more detail than the upressed D4 file but the noise level is quite similar. I’d say in real life use these cameras are equal at high ISO. You’ll never reach the same level of detail in real life shots at high ISO as you do in these test shots. Hence I’d say the resolution advantage of the 5D III doesn’t really matter.
The 25,600 shots seems to be useable.
We’re very impressed with the high ISO quality from these new cameras! Let us know what you think in the comments.
Click here for the larger image.
Click here for the larger image.
Canon 5D Mark III at ISO 51200. Click here for the larger image.
Via Reddit.
But would you ever need to push the ISO that far? mmm… a good comparison nonetheless!