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Thread: For Hilary - 7D High ISO shot

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    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Default For Hilary - 7D High ISO shot

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    This elephant was photographed in absolutely atrocious light (after sunset) last year in the Madikwe Game Reserve. The herd wouldn't let us pass and we needed to get back to our lodge. Madikwe's elephants are know to be a bit aggressive.

    I know this will have some noise blown up and printed...yet I feel that if you expose correctly there's nothing that should stop you from obtaining a "fine-for-web" image in such conditions with cameras like the 7D, 600D, 60D, D90, D7000, D5100, etc.

    Techs:
    Canon 7D with 100-400mm L IS USM @ 150mm
    f5.0 @ 1/100 SS @ ISO-3200
    LR3 NR sliders used on entire image
    Selective NR in CS5 on BG
    Selective contrast adjustment on elephant to add back some punch lost due to high ISO dynamic range characteristics
    Last edited by Morkel Erasmus; 10-12-2011 at 03:12 PM.
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    Lifetime Member Marc Mol's Avatar
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    Techs and PP skills looking good here Morkel, love the hidden guy on left with protruding tusks.
    TFS


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    Thanks for the posting Morkel and although I think you have done a superb job with this image, I can't help but wonder just how much nicer it would be using your D3 or a Mk4. The big thing is that I no longer shoot for stock and the only reason I post at these sizes is for c&c on this forum which means that if I can't get quality from high ISO from my 7D suitable for enlarging then I can't shoot in low light.

    Is this image full frame? I think, as Rakesh has also said, that cropping at high ISOs on the 7D files is problematic and my lion was cropped by about 50%.

    However, if the IQ allowed I would have cropped to the dreaded square to just encompass the lead elephant and the little one with tusks on the left.

    But I have to be honest, I really don't like the quality of the camera over about ISO800 (a personal opinion of course), above that I just slather texture over the image and hide the noise which works for me.......

    I just have to thank you again Morkel for your generosity in helping me with processing my 7D files.

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    Remarkable job with ISO 3200 Morkel.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Sid Garige View Post
    Remarkable job with ISO 3200 Morkel.
    Plus one here and I feel that if we use DPP for post & NR of high ISO images from 7D , we get better results
    TFS

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    Quote Originally Posted by Harshad Barve View Post
    Plus one here and I feel that if we use DPP for post & NR of high ISO images from 7D , we get better results
    TFS
    I have heard many say that...but I absolutely detest the user interface of DPP and therefore haven't used it in 3 years ...
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    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hilary Hann View Post
    Thanks for the posting Morkel and although I think you have done a superb job with this image, I can't help but wonder just how much nicer it would be using your D3 or a Mk4. The big thing is that I no longer shoot for stock and the only reason I post at these sizes is for c&c on this forum which means that if I can't get quality from high ISO from my 7D suitable for enlarging then I can't shoot in low light.

    Is this image full frame? I think, as Rakesh has also said, that cropping at high ISOs on the 7D files is problematic and my lion was cropped by about 50%.

    However, if the IQ allowed I would have cropped to the dreaded square to just encompass the lead elephant and the little one with tusks on the left.

    But I have to be honest, I really don't like the quality of the camera over about ISO800 (a personal opinion of course), above that I just slather texture over the image and hide the noise which works for me.......

    I just have to thank you again Morkel for your generosity in helping me with processing my 7D files.
    It is a pleasure. Image is full frame.

    Fair enough...oh, did I mention I have printed some of my nocturnal landscapes shot with the 7D at ISO settings of 2500-3200 and they look great at A3 and A2 size?

    Thing is - there are many on this forum and those like it that cannot ever afford or entertain the thought to afford to buy bodies like the 1Dm4 or D3s, and they shouldn't be discouraged from at least trying to 'push their cameras to the limits'...

    Of course I love using the D3s now...
    Last edited by Morkel Erasmus; 10-12-2011 at 11:42 PM.
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    Agree with Hilary. DPP has improved beyond recognition. It does a very good job. I use lightroom, whenever I click stills these days, for its cataloging and other benefits. Lightroom has got a good Noise reduction feature. I would prefer noise image rather than sacrifice details doing NR.

    Personally I don't like in camera noise reduction. I used it once and regret having used it. For three days it was on till I downloaded my images and changed the setting.

    Mark IV is very good in low light, better than the other Canon cameras.

    Cheers,
    Sabyasachi

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    Indeed, Sabya, I also don't use in-camera high ISO NR.
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    Morkel, I take your point re affordability of camera bodies and getting the most out of what you have. In this regard, this and a couple of other postings regarding NR and exposing in low light will be very valuable for anyone facing frustration with their cameras. The 7D works exceptionally well for our everyday work and customers are more than happy with the results. I'm the one frustrated with its performance in the field in low light when sometimes you need a bit more forgiveness. So to anyone thinking about the camera, it is a fine piece of equipment as long as you are aware of its weaker points.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Morkel Erasmus View Post
    I have heard many say that...but I absolutely detest the user interface of DPP and therefore haven't used it in 3 years ...
    I know , but this THREAD may help

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    Hi Morkel,
    Under the poor light conditions you have done well. When that is all you have to work with you have to make do with what you have, so well done under the circumstances.
    You have made the right choice with the D3s, as I am more than happy.
    Thanks for sharing and not too long to go for the KTP.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Harshad Barve View Post
    I know , but this THREAD may help
    That is seriously impressive IQ, I must really try harder!

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hilary Hann View Post
    That is seriously impressive IQ, I must really try harder!
    Nice image Harshad...you should convince Kiran to post some more images .
    Another note is that I also found that using the 300 f2.8 improved high ISO IQ a lot on my 7D, compared to images taken with the 100-400mm...
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    Quote Originally Posted by Morkel Erasmus View Post
    you should convince Kiran to post some more images .
    He is leading our one group in Tanzania right now , Will ask him to post more once he is back , but FYI he is now 1DM4 owner

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    Brendan Dozier
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    Wow, great image, Morkel, and you did manage the 3200 iso very nicely. Thanks for giving us hope!

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    Quote Originally Posted by Hilary Hann View Post
    That is seriously impressive IQ, I must really try harder!
    You trust me or not , I liked DPP for my Canon files and Capture NX for Nikon files and these are great software indeed. NR, sharpening, exposure and white balance adjustments in both software are so good. Once we get over initial hiccups you will find post is so easy to do for ALL ISO images

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    Morkel and others thank you for a very informative post, as a 7D owner I have picked up some useful pointers. Also like the image and the detail you have managed despite all the NR processing.

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    Morkel - thanks for posting this. And I think it is important to draw a distinction based on what the image will be used for. I have the 7D and like it but in most circumstances try not to shoot higher than ISO 800. However, if on a trip and the once in a lifetime shot occurs after dark then I will try to capture the shot at whatever ISO and worry about the noise later. If there is noise then I might not print it large but can still include it in my photo book of the trip, email a small version to friends or post it here. For those of you that are pros and are making a living from selling your shots or selling larger prints then noise becomes more of a problem.

    I convert many of my images in DPP (though have recently started using ACR for some). One of the things I really like about DPP is the ability to see where the AF point was to be better able to distinguish critical sharpness between several shots of the same subject fired off in quick succession. I also like being able to see a side by side comparison of the processed image next to the RAW image. The quick review tool is also great for culling images.

    I find ACR better for recovery of highlights or adding fill light. Then again, I'm still a relative newbie with CS5 and my opinion and workflow may change as I become more experienced (it is a woman's perogative to change her mind afterall).

    Just my $.02

    Rachel

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    The quick review tool is also great for culling images.
    Rachel, if you want an app that is quick, good and you can compare images side by side to make a decision prior to opening in RAW then get Photo Mechanic.
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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