BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

ISO and enlargements

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May 03, 2008

Image "noise" in enlargements is indeed dependent not so much on the camera, but the sensor itself.

I'll try to answer your question more specifically in a moment.

What can and can not be enlarged without objectionable noise is intimately tied with the subject.

With your D-80; let's say you need to make a 11x14 of a image that contains many sharp intersecting lines; perhaps building architecture. At ISO 400-800, the image would probably NOT be pleasing if detail is your goal. You could probably get away with a 8x10 however.

The same scenario but this time an image of a family gathered around the dinner table. This would be acceptable due to the lack of necessity for detail.

11x14's are rarely viewed at close distances; perhaps 4 to 8 feet or more.

How large you can make a print at a given ISO is very image driven.
There are noise reduction programs that help some, but sooner or later you are fighting optical physics; usually sooner.

So yes; the camera/sensor plays a major role in ISO vs. Noise.

Any print being made larger than a 8x10 should "probably" not exceed ISO 400 with the D-80 camera.
Again, the issue is quite scene/image dependent.

You may want to do a simple experiment.

Go out and photograph just the clear blue sky, starting from your lowest ISO and working your way up to 1,600.

View the photo in your editor as "actual pixels." You will see a dramatic increase in noise above ISO 400.

You will soon see why photographers who demand the highest possible image resolution still use large format cameras, be it film or digital.
Lately, FX, or full frame 35mm sensors are coming on strong, primarily for their ability to not only shoot sharper, but also for their ability in low light dynamic range as well as very low image noise.

all the best,

Pete

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May 03, 2008