 Steve Adams |
Sensors I'm looking at buying a DSLR and getting back into the fray. The D80 was my choice but I'm unsure whether to move to the new larger sensors. Will I appreciably gain better results or am I as well off with the D80
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Bernard |
I own the D80, I've read the specs on the newer models and thier ability the handle low light situations, and focusing abilities, and the better resolutions!!. I've read on a 14 bit chip verses the D80 12 bit. even though I consider the D80 antique, I would not upgrade. but if I didn't own the D80 already I would spend $1,200 for a new model.
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Steve Adams |
Thanks Bernard, confirmed what I was thinking. I might as well lay out a bit more and get the new model.
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Pete H |
Steve, If you are referring to Full Frame (FX) sensor Vs the APS (DX) sized sensor; there are some differences. Do these differences relate to quality? The larger Full Frame sensors certainly suppress noise better at higher ISO's if designed properly. There is no "crop" factor, so a 18mm lens IS a 18mm lens. To some this is an advantage, to some it is not. Resolution: This is entirely dependent on pixel density, pitch and design, not size alone. If you are looking at Nikon, The New D-3 is Nikon's only FX camera. Be prepared to spend $5,000, body only. I'm sure you've discovered this already. You may want to look at Nikon's D-300. I currently shoot with this camera. The sensor has been completely re-vamped and is amazing at ISO 1,600. At a body only price of $1,800, I consider it a bargain when I weigh all the options. " Will I appreciably gain better results..." The short answer is yes compared to the D-80, NO compared to the D-300.
Pete
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John G. Clifford Jr |
Everything else being equal, a larger sensor with the same pixel count will give you better high ISO performance (less noise). Why? Because the larger individual photodetectors will capture more electrons, raising the signal-to-noise ratio. However, everything else isn't equal. Larger sensors cost more, because the manufacturer gets less yield (given the same # of flaws per wafer, more flawless sensors will be produced if the sensors are smaller). Vignetting and edge sharpness can be problems on large sensors, even with full-frame lenses. They were problems with film, too, but we just didn't notice them. I think the Nikon D3 is an awesome camera... but it's not 3x as awesome as the D300. If it were me I'd go with the D3, and put the considerable money I saved into top quality lenses.
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