Nikon D50 vs D70 - DPChallenge Forums

02/11/2006 11:56:05 AM · #1

I am getting a bit fed up with the image grains in the less lit areas at ISO 400 with my D70. I read reviews regarding the D50 that its noise profile is much better (like the Rebel XT/350D) and also have a better dynamic range. At least for a year I cannot think of upgrading to a D200 so it came to my mind to 'downgrade' to D50. The only thing that camera review websites bring up for the D70 in image quality is a 'crispier image' than in the D50.

If anybody have a specific opinion or experience regarding this issue I would greatly appreciate some advice on this.
Thanks!

02/11/2006 11:57:33 AM · #2

Just as a matter of curiosity have you upgraded your firmware on your D70?

02/11/2006 12:05:17 PM · #3

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

Just as a matter of curiosity have you upgraded your firmware on your D70?

Yes, it is upgraded. Was it supposed to improve noise profile? I thought it was about the autofocus and some menu stuff...

Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF RF for Canon

02/11/2006 12:14:13 PM · #4

I was just wondering if you had done that and no I dont think it was supposed to help noise. Sorry your having problems and seeing how the sensor is the same in each camera I dont think a downgrade will help the noise.

Message edited by author 2006-02-11 12:17:18.

yido

Canon EOS-5D

02/11/2006 12:14:58 PM · #5

I think the IQ is about the same between the two.
check out dpreview for the comparisons here.
//www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond50/
There is to be some noise expected if you bring out details from under or over exposed areas. As you go up in ISO, you get more noise when you do this.
If you are shooting RAW, I expect not much noise until about ISO 400 with moderate adjustment. If you are shooting JPEG, I expect a lot of noise.

Of course I'm using Canons but I think the prinicple is the same. If you are using JPEG, then I'd recommend trying RAW and also consider using a fill flash when possible to get rid of the underexposed areas.
Good luck

Ian-Andrew

Nikon D7100

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

02/11/2006 12:30:46 PM · #6

I have read in a couple of reviews that it is not the same sensor used in both and that the noise levels in the D50 are lower than that of the D70 but by what degree? Are we talking fractions here?

Have a look at;
//www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond50/page20.asp

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

02/11/2006 12:37:52 PM · #7

D70-D70s-D50 Side By Side

D70s and D50 sensor are the same but not the d70.

Ian-Andrew

Nikon D7100

02/11/2006 12:42:27 PM · #8

That would explain why some reviews say it is the same sensor and some not.

02/11/2006 01:03:19 PM · #9

Originally posted by IanA:

That would explain why some reviews say it is the same sensor and some not.

On this website (dpreviews) if you check the description of the D50, they say it has a different sensor than the D70/D70s....confusing.

Message edited by author 2006-02-11 13:04:01.

02/11/2006 01:04:57 PM · #10

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

D70-D70s-D50 Side By Side

D70s and D50 sensor are the same but not the d70.

Same web site

jpeters

Nikon D200

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

02/11/2006 01:29:18 PM · #11

I'm surprised you are having noise issues at such a low ISO (for a dslr). I really don't start having issues until I go above 800, and that's in the really low light conditions.

I have also heard that D50 has less noise than D70, but while your noise may be slightly improved, you are going to lose some other features of the D70, so is it worth it? I would think that waiting a year to upgrade to the D200 might be a better option, but that's just me.

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

02/11/2006 02:42:53 PM · #12

I would be careful making that move. In this case a better noise profile likely means more noise reduction in camera with a resulting softer photo.

Try assuring you are exposing to the right side of the histogram and as yido said, shoot in RAW. You should be able to then keep detail in the shadows without noise. Noise will increase if you have to lighten your shots during processing.

Second, assure it is not the lens. Cheaper lenses will give you darkening in the in the corners that show more noise.

edit: I have to say I just looked at your photos and I do not see it. You are using decent lenses (even the kit lens is good) so you should be good there.

Message edited by author 2006-02-11 14:44:48.

ElGordo

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

02/11/2006 03:10:49 PM · #13

Noise in Digital cameras is always an issue and is present to some degree in all images. Finding the ideal shooting combination for minimum noise is a somewhat complex problem. The objective is to achieve the highest possible signal to noise ratio. To do that requires some knowledge of the parameters that cause noise and how they can be mitigated. The primary culprit that produces image noise is thermally generated electrons in the sensor and associated electronics. Two factors that contribute to the noise can be controlled to some extent: those two factors are temperature and exposure time. The other component to S/N ratio is the signal (light exposure). To reduce temperatures, keep the camera out of the sun when not in use and turn it off when not actually making a shot. To increase signal and reduce exposure time, use the largest possible aperture (small f#) that will achieve your shooting goal. But there is always a temptation to increase ISO in order to reduce exposure time; bad idea unless conditions are extreme, as higher ISO settings amplify noise! So keep ISO as low as practical.
This works for me and noise generally is not a problem.