50D ISO 3200 Sample Image

[Doug Brown]

I know there's a lot of interest in the 50D on this forum, and I also know that there's a lot of conflicting information circulating on the internet. This will be the last high-ISO sample image I post. I will of course be posting plenty of 50D shots in the coming weeks, just not for the purpose of illustrating camera technology. This image has been processed just like the others in the series; in-camera NR with no additional NR in post-processing, along with some post-processing of the bird only. I am amazed at how well the feather detail is preserved at ISO 3200. The noise is minimal and will look even better after a round of NR in PP. I understand that ISO 3200 is reserved for extreme shooting conditions, but it's nice to know that the photo will look pretty darn good.

http://birdwhisperer.smugmug.com/photos/390580854_6h2pM-O.jpg

Canon 50D, 400mm, f/5.6, 1/4000, ISO 3200, no flash, hand held

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

This 50D sounds like my next upgrade!!!
I believe that 800 ISO is very good in this camera. Like any other guy, I am always worried about high ISO's, but the more I see your picture, the more I want the new 50D. By the way, really good image, love the details on the head feathers.

[Doug Brown]

Remember that all of these photos are JPEGs. I only downloaded the new version of ACR tonight (the one that can work on 50D files). I don't really have a good sense yet of how the RAW files will look. I'm glad you like the JPEG though.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Doug,

I too am interested to know more about the high ISO capabilities of this camera. This looks pretty nice to me. I think 1600 can be used more often in this camera. I would love to see your detailed impressions after you process in RAW. I value your efforts in showing us the abilities of this camera.
Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[bill kominsky]

Great to know that this is proving to be a good camera to use in the field. My order has bee processed and will probably have it in hand on Mon. or Tues. Can you please tell me what your abbreviations stand for .....NR,PP, and the ACR I think I know which is Adobe Camera Raw, anyway Doug great shot with great detail for 3200, nicely done.

Bill

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Doug;

WOW! That is amazing, especially at ISO 3200, colors crisp and beautiful, and photo outstanding.

Thanks for sharing

Gus

[Doug Brown]

My apologies Bill! NR= noise reduction, PP= post-processing, ACR= Adobe Camera Raw. Here's a link to an acronym list found in the Educational Resources section of BPN: http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=12682

[bill kominsky]

Thank you so much Doug for this info.

Bill

[Aidan Briggs]

Hi Doug.

That is amazing detail at ISO 3200. I really want one of those

[John Chardine]

Doug- Does better performance at high ISOs translate to better performance at low ISOs as well? In other words, ISO 100/200, even maybe 400 should have no noticeable noise at all.

BTW, I've ordered my 50D. Body on order, kit was available. Canadian price was same as B&H but with our $ at 84¢ to $1 US, the price will likely climb.

[Doug Brown]

I don't really go below ISO 400 all that often John, so I'm not the best person to ask. I'll try to shoot some low ISO stuff this week, and will let you know my results.

[Roger Clark]

Great image! Could you please post a full pixel crop, say around the head that includes some water? That would give a better idea of the noise.

John,
The low ISO noise should get better (all other Canon cameras do, even small sensor P&S cameras),and there is no reason for this one to be different. Generally, noise scales as the square root of the ISO, getting smaller with lower ISO. So ISO 800 would have half the noise of ISO 3200, and ISO 200 half again.

Roger