Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/06/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]The question regarding noise has to be answered, in large part, based on what you consider an acceptable level of noise/grain. When shooting with my Ms, my standard film was Tri-X at 800 iso. That's unacceptably noisy to someone who shoots slow slide film. I suspect that the people doing testing are using slow slide films as the standard. There is absolutely no question that Canon has come the closest to licking the noise problem at high isos. The 20D and 30D, not just the flag ship camera, can blow away film when it comes to high iso noise. Honestly, none of the Olys can touch the Canons in that regard. On the other hand, almost all the subway stuff was shot at 800 iso, and as you noted, noise isn't an issue. Of course if you were looking at film images taken under the same circumstances, you'd expect to see grain, so maybe your brain accepts noise with low-light shots. In terms of focal lengths, if the camera is a 4/3, then there's a 2x magnification factor. So that Leica lens is 14-50 mm, the equivalent of 28-100. Frankly, unless you're dying for IS, you'd be insane to shell out the dough for the Leica lens, given how good - and how well built, the Olympus 14-54 is - for less than half the price. But maybe you really, really need IS - in which case it's worth it. ;-) On 6/21/06 1:45 PM, "Adam Bridge" <abridge@gmail.com> wrote: > Well there are pixels and then there are pixels. Having a high pixel > density and high noise levels above 400 would make a camera very > underdesireable for me. I looked at the DP Review of the E330 and they > found noise issues that I haven't seen in your subway work, B. D., > which proves to me, at least, that you actually have to SHOOT with a > camera for a while to know if it's right for you. > > But how to buy one when the only opportunity you have to use it is in > the damn store? > > Are the lens focal lengths 35mm film equivalents do you suppose or > what? Still an f1.4 lens with a camera that shoot effectively at 1600 > would be great. > > I am totally blown away by the ability of the 1Ds Mk II to shoot at > 3200 and make good images that are better than high-speed color film. > It's the place that digital rules. > > I would hope that the digital M would be a generation ahead in terms > of sensor design than the DMR so it'll get a stop faster than the R. > For me the M is all about natural light - low light - shooting where > the range finder makes focusing possible where otherwise it wouldn't > be. > > Adam > > On 6/21/06, B. D. Colen <bdcolen@comcast.net> wrote: >> Well that is one Leica lens I will definitely spring for - assuming that >> the >> price is reasonably in line with other 50 1.4s. Otherwise it's the Sigma >> 30 >> 1.4. ;-) >> >> And I pray that Panasonic's 'system map' is more real-world than >> Olympus's, >> as Olympus as had fast primes and a 35-70 equivalent f2 zoom on the map >> for >> some time. >> >> As to the megapixle race. A 5-6 mgp sensor is indeed more than adequate >> for >> most uses. And given how well Photoshop CS will 'enlarge' images...On the >> other hand, having a larger image file makes cropping much more viable, >> and >> as Tina has pointed out from time to time, a number of stock agencies and >> image purchasers insist on large files. >> >> On 6/21/06 9:22 AM, "Will von Dauster" <vondauster@earthlink.net> wrote: >> >>> >>> On Jun 21, 2006, at 6:14 AM, Didier Ludwig wrote: >>> >>>> Don, >>>> No doubts... The already introduced 14-50 FT zoom is a red dotted >>>> Vario-Elmarit, and I guess all 4/3 lenses offered by Panasonic will >>>> be Leica lenses. A fast prime was expected, but this seems to be >>>> the first real hint which is more than vaporware. >>> >>> And his is exciting news, IMO. The 50mm f1.4 was my carry-around >>> lens, and I'm glad to see it make a reappearance in the 4/3 system. >>> So, once the camera itself is rebadged "Leica" will it be essentially >>> the replacement of the Digilux 2, with the much better sensor and >>> interchangable lenses? >>> >>> Many D-2 users expressed surprise how large a good print one can get >>> from a 5MP camera. Many camera makers have actually retreated from >>> their 7MP offerings recently. Canon, for example, reduced the >>> megapixelage on heir top-of-the-consumer-line A series camera from >>> 7.2 to 6 MP, apparently thinking this is plenty for 99 percents of >>> its amateur customers. I have been plenty satisfied with the 8MP >>> SLRs, the 20Ds and E-500. >>> >>> How much resolution is enough for your purposes, and how does one >>> quantify the other factors that make a print more photographic? This >>> is a problem Leica users have faced for decades - describing the >>> unique qualities of Leica images versus, say, Nikon. >>> >>> Will von Dauster >>> >>> Note the 25mm f1.4 has no OIS... >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Leica Users Group. >>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Leica Users Group. >> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >> > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information