CANON 40D High ISO examples.

[matt_xyz]

it still doesn't look too bad. It's difficult to tell really because some of my noisy ISO 800 images may have been underexposed slightly. But I still think the noise looks finer.

Matt

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by matt_xyz

it still doesn't look too bad. It's difficult to tell really because some of my noisy ISO 800 images may have been underexposed slightly. But I still think the noise looks finer.

Matt

Yes, finer is a good way of describing it. I've said it just looks different, but finer is pretty accurate. I'm certainly pleased with the outcome whatever it is, 1250 is certainly very usable, and I'll use it where I used to use 800. It gives me far more flexibility, it's like having almost a stop faster lens without having to spend the 2-3 grand that would cost!

[GerryNick2]

Originally Posted by glsammy

Purely Lightroom, at default settings.
I'll prepare a couple with nothing done, but that isn't going to be totally fair as I've always used noise reduction. What I find pleasing is that when finished the images have more detail in them. Of course the 40D has more pixels, perhaps that's the real difference?

When you say Lightroom default settings do you mean in Noise Reduction Luminance 0 and Color 25 which are my default settings.

Were these shots taken using a monopod? , the reason I ask is that handheld I cannot get near to this detail with my 40D + 50-500mm. Whilst the detail is not brilliant I have noticed that the 40D level of noise at high ISO's is better than my 30D.

Gerry

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by GerryNick2

When you say Lightroom default settings do you mean in Noise Reduction Luminance 0 and Color 25 which are my default settings.

Were these shots taken using a monopod? , the reason I ask is that handheld I cannot get near to this detail with my 40D + 50-500mm. Whilst the detail is not brilliant I have noticed that the 40D level of noise at high ISO's is better than my 30D.

Gerry

On checking Gerry I used 0 Luminace and 12 Colour.
Yes, I used my monopod. I pretty well always do, unless it's a flight shot.

[GerryNick2]

Originally Posted by glsammy

Yes, I used my monopod. I pretty well always do, unless it's a flight shot.

Looks like I will have to invest in a monopod for the Bigma before I go to Pembrokeshire later this year.

Gerry

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by GerryNick2

Looks like I will have to invest in a monopod for the Bigma before I go to Pembrokeshire later this year.

Gerry

I really do recommend one Gerry. The head I use is a Manfrotto 234RC, which has a quick release design. I'd recommend a quick release plate for each lens you use. The 234RC is a very simple design, but it works extremely well with the Bigma. My monopod is also a Manfrotto carbon fibre, but to be honest I'm not so keen on that. Mine doesn't hold correctly on one of the extensions when the leg is fully out, I can't see why and I've adjusted it as tight as it can go. It's no big deal, it just means that I lose a couple of inches of hight.
Using the pod I've had sharp images with shutter speeds down to as low as 1/60 sec, at the full 500mm. I find it's far better than using a tripod, I can respond quicker when using the monopod, plus I also use it as a walking stick.

[John D]

Originally Posted by GerryNick2

Looks like I will have to invest in a monopod for the Bigma before I go to Pembrokeshire later this year.

Gerry

Hi Gerry, Like Graham I use a monopod most of the time. I find it to be much more portable than a tripod and more adaptable. It is a Monfrotto 679B with a 234RC head that I have. Wouldn't be without it!
John D

[GerryNick2]

Thanks Graham and John for the advice.

Having done some more research will probably go for either the Velbon Pro Pod CF6 or CF7. I already have two Velbon tripods a Luxi and a Sherpa and am very pleased with both of them them. I particularly like the leg locking system which they use on the Carbon Fibre range. The CF6 is a similar spec. to the Manfrotto 694 but price wise a lot more affordable.

The Manfrotto 234RC certainly looks to be the best Monopod Head with QR around so with out a doubt I shall add this to the setup. Fortunately I have a couple of 200pl-14 plates kicking around somewhere which will come in handy.

Gerry

[Jon]

I attach a shot of a Robin taken at ISO 800, I have to admit I am quite surpised at the detail.
I think in retrospect I have not given higher ISO a decent chance, probably o nreflection I have always erred on one level too low resulting ina slight blurr due to a too slow shutter speed. I have renewed interest in higher ISO shots!
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/archive/data/57/thumbs/RobinIMG_4855.jpg[/img][/url]

[Tobyh]

Very interesting thread, I've been following the threads on higher ISO and techniques but am still struggling with a few things. Would anyone be able to explain whats happening in the following 2 pictures. Both are ISO 800 taken in pretty poor light at the same shutter speeds but see the difference. I'm trying hard to understand why the bad example happens

1st - Chaffinch with acceptable noise


2nd - Sparrow shot which is very noisy


Really appreciate any help

Thanks in advance

TobyH