Daily Archives: April 12, 2014

 

I have been a longtime, (I’m talking 45 years!!!) Popular Photography reader.  I’ve used their test evaluations, for many years, as a part of my research for new gear purchases,. but, Something crazy is going on.  Before I launch into this  discussion, I must remind you; I’ve worked in and around the photography industry for over 30 years, Having been a tech rep for Nikon, I have worked with the best of the best, and I’ve learned a great deal from them and from my own intensive study.  I also want to remind you that I’ve always (that’s always!!!) called it the way I see it.  When Canon was eating our lunch on low noise at high ISO, I sat in Nikon meetings and complained that we were way behind!!!  When the Nikon D3 was released I poured over research and personal tests comparing the noise between the D3 and the then current Canon models of that time period.  When I told my customers that the D3 and D700 were, at that time, state of the art, I knew what I was talking about.  Later when Canon re-took the lead with the 5D Mark II and then III, I called it as I saw it, again.

 

I’ve now read two test reports in Popular Photographer on the Fuji X-E2 and the new X-T1.  Their report on the noise in both camera is pure hogwash!!!!  O.K. let me soften my tone, whatever method they used to come up with their results, is flawed.  If the Fuji X cameras had just so so High ISO performance, I would not have bought into that system, and I can tell you from real world tests, and side by side comparison, the Fuji X cameras (Fuji X100, X-E1, X-E2, X100s, and the X-T1 are among the very best noise performance cameras on the market all the way up to, and including ISO 6400.  I know because I shoot them at those High ISOs and I can see the difference.  Here is the just published result from their test of the X-T1.

 

 

Once again I do not know how they conduct their tests, they may turn off all noise processing in the camera and then get these results, but my experience with the normal factory default settings for noise reduction in the camera would yield a Low Noise Rating all the way to 3200 and only barely a moderate at 6400.  Above that the noise is shockingly low, but certainly apparent.  I’VE SEEN THEIR TESTS ON CANON AND NIKON CAMERAS AND FEEL THEY ARE PRETTY ACCURATE, AT LEAST AS A COMPARISON OF THOSE TWO BRANDS.  So what”s up???

 

When I had to go to a lighter system, I chose the Fuji X-System because of the image quality and a big factor was the extremely low noise.  I shoot this stuff every day and can tell you these figures are very misleading…..  Nough’ said……  My opinion, take it for what it’s worth!

 

At Photoshop World a gentleman asked me a good question after one of my programs, and I thought I would like to share my answer with you too.

 

Question:  If you could still carry bigger DSLRs and heavier camera bags, what would you be using today?

 

I have very high regard for two specific camera systems; Nikon and Canon.  I like the Canon 5D Mark III and have seen some outstanding images come out of that camera, but I don’t know a great deal about their lenses, so I know I would still be a Nikon shooter if I could carry them.  I personally still own a D700 and a D7000.  If I was shooting Nikon today, I think I would own the D3s (happened to be my favorite pro Nikon), and the D800e.  the D800e for the ultimate in resolution, and for video, and the D3s as the speed, rugged, everyday camera. Why not the D4 or D4s?  Every camera makes images that have their own “look”, that is one reason I’m shooting the Fuji X System, I love their look!!  I liked the D3s look better than the models that came later, just personal preference.  I don’t think the difference in 12 and 16 mega pixels is a big deal, at least not for me.

 

 

Question:  What lenses would you be using?

 

This is a, “it depends” question.  I currently own a full system of 1970′-80’s AIS manual focus Nikkors; 24mm, 25-50, 55 Micro, 50-135, 105 Micro, 105 f 2.5, 80-200 (several f 4.5 & f4), 300mm f 4.5, and 400mm f 3.5 and a TC-14B.  For stationary subjects, which is 95% of what I shoot,  I like the manual focus glass better.  If I was using the AF glass it would be  14-24 (big as a Buick), 24-120 f 4, 70-200 AFS f,4, and the 80-400 AFS-f 4.5-5.6. (but I don’t own any of that glass anymore).  When I worked for Nikon I kept hoping for a 24-105 f 2.8 VR, but it never came, and you can’t use something that doesn’t exist!!!

 

Do I miss the Nikon system?

 

Sure, just like I miss my 30’s and 40’s!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim