Field Test Report
As discussed in my previous Q &A item about the pro’s and con’s of large sensors, an increasing number of DSLRs employ a full-frame 24x36mm chip. Some of those cameras are very expensive ($7000+) but three models fall into the “relatively affordable” category. I tested this trio often using large, premium-grade zooms optimized for 24x36mm chips. Because the cameras became available at various times, I was unable to do side-by-side testing. For the sake of consistency however, I did return to a couple of scenes in similar lighting and made some comparable images.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
A major upgrade over the original 12.7 megapixel full-frame EOS 5D, the new Mk II version offers a host of improvements: 21.5 MP resolution, larger 3-inch LCD with much higher 920,000 dot resolution, a superior DIGIC IV processor, greater speed, some new technology and many additional features. This full-frame model with a stainless steel/magnesium water-resistant body includes a large, bright viewfinder with 98% frame coverage. This is also one of the few DSLRs on the market with a 1080p video capture mode. (Average street price: $3000) Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
The many analog controls are large and well marked; some provide two distinct functions. A Quick Control screen is also available for convenient access to 10 important functions. There’s no built-in flash so EOS 5D Mk II owners will want an optional EX-series Speedlite. For wireless off-camera flash, a second EX unit, or a flash commander accessory, would be required. This Canon DSLR is also compatible with many other add-ons such as a vertical grip, a Wireless file transmitter, a GPS unit and an external USB drive.
The continuous advance speed is only 3.9 fps although that was adequate for most of my photography. The camera was faster in other respects such as autofocus with nine detection points plus six invisible assist points for great focus reliability. Because of its great versatility, the EOS 5D Mk II would be fine even for some professional applications. The 35-segment metering system tends to underexpose light-toned scenes but that’s easy to prevent with +2/3 or +1 EV compensation.
Live View and Movie Mode: Becoming a common amenity, Live View provides a real-time preview of the scene on the LCD monitor. With this camera, Autofocus is available by pressing the AF-On button. Select Quick Mode for acceptably fast phase-detection AF. As with any DSLR however, there’s a lot of distracting noise from the reflex mirror and display blackout during conventional autofocus. Switch to Live Mode in order to activate contrast-detection AF; now, the reflex mirror is not lowered during focusing so the display is not interrupted. With this option, focusing is slower, taking over a second in good light. Face Detect AF and a quiet shooting mode can also be selected; the latter would be useful during the vows at a wedding, for instance.
Another Live View option, movie mode can be used to make HD videos at resolution up to 1080×1920 pixels at a fast 30fps; a still photo can also be shot at any time, although that interrupts the video clip. Sound is captured by the built-in mono mic or by an optional external stereo mic. The EOS 5D Mk II can shoot 1080p High-Def clips as long as 12 minutes or much longer at a lower resolution.
In video capture, some essential features — including ISO, aperture and shutter speed — can be set only by the camera. The user does retain control of WB, exposure compensation and AE lock, as well as the Picture Styles and parameter adjustments for varying color, contrast and sharpness. Autofocus can be activated but its very slow and produces an annoying effect in the video. Frankly, movie mode is most practical for situations where focus adjustment is not often needed; it would be fine especially when the camera is on a tripod during a party or a stage performance, for example.
Photo Quality: The EOS 5D Mk II generates 21.5 megapixel still photos using large pixels: 6.4 microns square. Dynamic range is quite wide and two expansion features are available for slightly better highlight/shadow detail in JPEGs. Images made at ISO 50 to 400 are suitable for making richly-detailed 20×30″ prints. Even at ISO 800 the images are surprisingly “clean”, with well-defined intricate detail; they’re fine for making nice 13×19″ prints. My best ISO 1600 captures made very good 8×10″ glossies while ISO 3200 provided decent prints of that size. Digital noise is more obvious at ISO 6400 but the grain pattern is not objectionable; 8×10″ prints are still highly acceptable. The higher ISO levels (to 25,600) are intended only for small prints.
Evaluation: This 21.5 MP full-frame sensor Canon DSLR is not particularly difficult to use but its high tech features warrant some study of the owner’s manual. While some EOS cameras provide even faster autofocus, especially in low light, the EOS 5D Mk II is certainly no slouch in this aspect, particularly with an ultrasonic USM lens. This full-frame DSLR does not accept any of the smaller EF-S lenses but Canon makes many EF lenses, including some with a built-in Stabilizer. Overall, the EOS 5D Mk II is a highly desirable camera, providing remarkably high resolution that’s great for anyone who needs oversized prints or is ready to try some professional photography.
Nikon D700
Since I discussed this Nikon camera in its own Field Test Report at www.photocrati.com/nikon-d700-review-field-test-report/, I’ll provide only the basics in this report. This is a large, heavy, rugged, weather-resistant magnesium alloy 12.1 MP camera with Nikon’s latest technology, including a fast EXPEED processor. Because each of the pixels is huge — 8.5 microns square — dynamic range is wide and even wider when Active D-Lighting is used in JPEG capture. Important D700 features include a large, bright viewfinder providing 95% frame coverage, ISO levels to 25,600, and a 3″ LCD with 920,000 dot resolution. It’s also equipped with built-in flash, great for triggering an off-camera Speedlight (with wireless connectivity) without the need to buy an optional accessory. (Average Street Price: $2700) Nikon D700 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
The autofocus system is very advanced, with 51 points — including 15 cross-hatched points for maximum reliability — plus 3D Tracking AF for action photography. (See my D700 Review for specifics as to AF performance and other issues.) The large multi-platform lenses — including the latest FX models — are required for full-frame photos but the smaller DX series lenses can be used as well. Those lenses cannot project the full image circle required to fill the 23.9x36mm sensor so the images are smaller, with 5.1 megapixel resolution.
The D700 employs a Scene Recognition system, combining data from its 1,005-pixel light meter plus the white balance and focusing systems. AF is unusually fast as well, and virtually foolproof in tracking action subjects; in this respect, the D700 is the best DSLR that I have ever tested. Surprisingly though, the test sample overexposed mid-tone scenes slightly; I often needed to use a -0.3 or -0.7 EV compensation level. As you might expect, every other image parameter can also be modified as desired. This camera sports very well-designed analog controls plus a Quick Settings sub menu for convenient access to frequently-used features but this is not a DSLR for novices as confirmed by the 444 page manual.
Live View Mode: Switch to Live View and two distinct autofocus options become available. A virtual horizon can be overlaid on the preview display to help prevent crooked photos. The Handheld AF mode employs conventional phase-detection AF with all 51 points for acceptably fast focusing. This worked well for portraits during a parade although the display was interrupted whenever the reflex mirror was lowered for autofocusing. The Tripod AF mode, uses contrast-detection technology, with a moveable single focus point; there’s no blackout of the live display during AF operation. Autofocus is very slow in this mode, taking over a second in low light; that’s rarely a problem in landscape photography.
Photo Quality: The D700 produced absolutely gorgeous images at ISO 100 to 400; my 13×19″ inkjet prints look perfect. A technically excellent RAW or JPEG capture would be fine even for much larger prints. No other DSLR employs a sensor with larger pixels making the Nikon D700 a leader at high sensitivity levels. My ISO 1600 images from a wedding reception made for very nice 11×15″ glossies. And I didn’t hesitate to use ISO 3200 or 6400 for night photography; well exposed images made for beautiful — though slightly grainy — 8.5×11″ glossies. Much higher levels — up to ISO 25,600 — are available too but the photos exhibit some banding and more obvious digital noise speckles.
Nikon D700 Evaluation: In conventional operation, the D700 was lightning fast in all aspects. Automatic Chromatic Aberration Correction optimized the performance of any lens for class-leading quality. While resolution is “only” 12.1 MP, the D700 images are very clean so they can be resed up significantly in Photoshop or other software for making oversized prints. This is the heaviest DSLR of the three that I tested and the most likely to satisfy professionals. But the D700 is also perfect for enthusiasts who need great speed, want a full-frame sensor and are willing to devote the time required to maximize the full potential of this camera.
Sony Alpha a900
Boasting the highest resolution available in the sub-$7500 category, this is a rugged 24.6 megapixel DSLR with a large magnesium alloy body, moisture-resistant seals, a 3″ LCD with 921,600 dots plus some unique technology. That includes two BIONZ processors for fast 5 fps recording. There’s no built-in flash so most a900 owners will want an accessory HVL unit; a second unit would be required for wireless off-camera flash techniques. The extra large pentaprism provides a remarkably bright/contrasty view with full 100% frame coverage. (Average Street Price: $2700) Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black)
The new AF system features nine detection points plus ten invisible “assist” points to minimize the risk of lost focus. The built-in image stabilizer precludes the need to buy special lenses with a camera shake compensating mechanism. Sony also developed the most effective dynamic range expansion feature currently available. Depending on the Dynamic Range Optimizer level selected in JPEG capture, shadow detail recovery ranges from moderate to dramatic.
For 24.6 MP resolution, this full-frame DSLR requires multi-platform lenses but also accepts the DT series. When one of the smaller format lenses is used, the image is cropped so total resolution drops but is still a respectable 11 megapixels. This aspect is a bonus for anyone who already owns a Sony or Maxxum system with DT lenses.
The largest of the DSLRs tested, the a900 features an intelligently-designed user interface with well-marked buttons, switches and dials. Pressing Fn activates a screen for quick access to 11 functions. Sony’s 40-segment metering system produces some underexposure with light-toned scenes, easy to prevent with +1 EV compensation. While the 13 page electronic menu may seem daunting, many of its important items can be ignored since they can be set with other controls. Granted, some of the 15 custom functions require reference to the owner’s manual since their purpose is not exactly intuitive.
Intelligent Preview: Instead of Live View, the a900 provides an Intelligent Preview option: a temporary pre-capture “photo” of the subject on its ultra-high resolution LCD screen. While viewing the display, make any modifications to exposure, White Balance and Dynamic Range Optimizer; you’ll notice that the display changes accordingly. When the preview looks perfect, take the actual photo.
Photo Quality: The 24.6 million pixels are a bit smaller (5.9 microns square) than average but no other DSLR in its league provides such outstanding resolution of the most intricate detail at ISO 100 and 200. My technically best photos from a trip to Europe are suitable for beautiful 24×36″ custom prints. Image quality is still very good at ISO 400 so 13×19″ prints look great. When shooting in the evening on the streets of Vienna and Budapest, I used ISO 800 and found that digital noise is well controlled; the photos are quite smooth and richly detailed, suitable for good 11×16.5″ inkjet prints.
By ISO 1600, a mottled color pattern is visible; because of the ultra-high resolution, there’s still plenty of detail so my 8×10″ glossies look fine. Thanks to the built-in stabilizer mechanism, I did not often need to use a higher ISO level even inside European cathedrals. I did try all other ISO levels too of course, up to ISO 6400; they exhibit obvious speckles from digital noise but they did “clean up” quite well in post-processing with imaging software.
Sony a900 Evaluation: While this is not the top performer at very high sensitivity, the Sony contender provides the best resolution for images of superlative quality, especially at ISO 100 to 400. Because it’s not overloaded with functions, the a900 is less complicated than its direct competitors. Sony does not make as many accessories as Nikon or Canon, but the a900 is compatible with a vertical grip, HDMI cable and many flash units. Its AF system is very reliable even in low light and quite fast especially with one of the wide aperture ultrasonic (SSM) AF lenses lens. While I was shooting the erratic motion of FMX bike stunts, roughly 60% of the photos were sharply focused. With the more typical motion of cars driving along a freeway, my success rate was much higher.
The Bottom Line
Although I bought one of these three cameras after the test period, not everyone should be buying a full-frame DSLR (for reasons to be discussed in a subsequent article about the Pro’s and Con’s). But if you’re convinced that you’re a candidate for a camera of this type, which one should you choose? The decision may be simple if you already own several multi-platform Canon EF, Nikon AF or Sony/Maxxum-mount lenses. It would make sense to stick to an existing system, as I did when upgrading. Otherwise, review my comments — and the Specifications on the manufacturers’ Web sites — and one camera should emerge as the best for your needs or preferences.
Other Recent Digital Camera Reviews on Photocrati
Nikon D700
Nikon D300
Nikon D90
Canon Rebel T1i
Canon Powershot G10
Olympus E-P1
Olympus E-30
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Quash
14 May 2009Take a stand, Peter. How can you do a comparative review and then sit on the fence about which camera you think is best? The reviews you do are superb, so I was very much looking forward to reading this one and disappointed when you fell shy in making a clear statement regarding which camera you believe is at the at the top of the heap. Never forget that when we read your reviews, it’s because we believe your opinion matters. It does. So, let’s hear it. Commit!
Tariq
15 May 2009It seems pretty obvious that there is not a “best” for all uses here. That seems the point of this review. For absolute best low ISO image quality, Sony. For low light performance, Nikon. The Canon is the compromise between the two.
Bernardo Avalos
15 May 2009I agree indeed with Quash. Even a differentiating balance could´ve been done. And I would like also to hear something about sensor size and lens mount in all three cameras.
Francis
15 May 2009There is no need to explicitly tell which system Peter choose at the end. The reason why he choose the system is clear. Anybody looking into these cameras should be knowledgeable enough to make their own decision based on the information given. Obviously Peter does not want to influence anybody by turning this review into some kind of competition.
PeterKBurian
15 May 2009Good morning. Well, I knew this would generate some controversy. Which one is best? Depends on your needs and usages. <> Thank you, Tariq!
But also, thanks for your kind comment, Quash.
Do you often shoot at very high ISO? D700. Do you often make 16×24″ prints but usually use low ISO? a900. And so on … (And yes, the EOS 5D II does everything well but is not Number 1 in terms of resolution, feature set, etc. Even so, I suppose this is the one that would be of greatest appeal to anyone who is not already invested in a certain brand of lenses and accessories.)
The sensors are the same size, and I specifically mentioned the exact Pixel Size which is very important as well as compatibility with the smaller Nikon DX or Sony DT format lenses.
Which one did I buy? (And yes, I must buy equipment, from a dealer. I do NOT get anything free.) The EOS 5D II. Simple for me; I already owned EF lenses, and EX flash unit, etc.
Which one would I buy if I did not already own lenses? Hmmmm … OK, Quash … the D700. I love everything about that camera except the complexity. (Too many options, re: Autofocus for example.) But my Stock Agencies want larger files, so the a900. But the 5D II does everything SO well, and has plenty of resolution too, so ….
So many cameras … so little time.
Cheers! Peter http://www.peterkburian.com
Bob
18 May 2009This is a great article but there is no comparison at all! It’s just 3 mini-reviews put together.
Great work but misleading headline. I would love to se D700 images upsized to be compared for detail to the other two and high iso from Sony and Canon downsized to compare to D700.
Kwok from HK
18 May 2009First time I read this forum (led to here by Dyxum.com). Really nice and useful reveal, well done Peter.
I owned a D300 for action and long reach photos, bought a A900 + CZ24-70/2.8 for resolution when D3x was too expensive. A900 is a camera which needs a lot of skil (and practice) before you can take VERY VERY GOOD pictures even with CZ lens, in other words, you may not be attracted by it instantaneously – as you have correctly mentioned, avoid underexposure. So, there is at least one more useful function that is worth mentioning, which is there is a function to either retain more high light or low light details. One problem that I have found if you turn the DRO to high is more noise would appear.
I am in fact thinking of buying a D700 for high ISO shooting and so I’ve found your review useful. On the other hand, as you mentioned that the A900 noise is correctable with software, there is a rumor that Sony would upgrade its firmware when its time of allowing the D3x (same sensor) to be sold free from direct competition from A900 is over – this I believe could be true!
Simon
18 May 2009When using sRAW at 10.5mp the 5DMk2 handles noise about a stop better than D700 RAW at 12.5mp, also the Canon is much sharper and hold more details.
PeterKBurian
27 May 2009May 27, 2009 UPDATE RE: EOS 5D Mk II: Canon announced today it will release a firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark II allowing users to manually control exposure when shooting video. The new firmware will be available for download from 2 June 2009 from the Canon Support Web page.
The update will include the following manual controls when shooting video:
* Full aperture selection
* ISO speed: Auto, 100 – 6400 and H1
* Shutter speed: 1/30th – 1/4000th second
For more info, see http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1243392276.html
PeterKBurian
2 Jun 2009More features about the new Firmware for the EOS 5D Mark II version 1.1.0.
This firmware update offers the manual video exposure control and these fixes/improvements:
• Disables the depth-of-field preview button when images are played back
• Fixes a problem with image peripheral illumination
• Fixes the algorithms of the Auto Lighting Optimizer
• Corrects indications in several language menus
• Changes battery info display for the Battery Grip
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=17662#ModelDetailAct
Alex
14 Dec 2009Then would the a900 still be the best bet over all for a serious amateur, if the IOS levels are kept low or have the pictures professionaly fixed and enlarged? and since it has internal stabilazer and a more durable body; or would it end up being too expensive to begin with since the full frame lens availability for it is so limited right now? or could I get Sigma, Tamron or other lenses that achieve great quality for full frame cameras but are cheaper, without affecting the a900’s capabilities?
sunil kumar
16 Dec 2009the review is very helpful. i was toying between d700 and canon 5d for months, now probably will go for d700. just one thing i could not understand, with such huge gap between mp of nikon and canon, how would it affect enlargments? and if enlargements are not needed, does it really make a difference?
Alex
3 Jan 2010Hi every one,
I purchased the sony a850 and woder if any of you know how well the HVL-F32X works or wich flash is recomended that is not too expesive.
I also wanted to know if the Kingstein memory cards are good or if they slow down the shooting process too much. They are much cheaper than other brands and when shooting in raw mode I’ll need the more GB’s possible.
Thanks every one.
Ron Rosenzweig
9 Jan 2010Hi Alex,
I use Kingston 266 speed cards in my 5DII and have had no issues at all. I just purchased a couple of weeks ago yet another Kingston card, the 16GB 266 speed for $83.95 shipped from B & H. That was a great find as the average price is a little over $100.00. I have purchased over the last couple of years two 8 GB cards and now the 16GB. They are not the worlds fastest cards but they are reliable and speedy enough for me. They also work well in capturing HD video. Good luck.
Ron
PeterKBurian
10 Jan 2010Hi Alex: I know nothing about that old flash unit. It was designed for compact Sony cameras and I don’t know if it is compatible with Alpha cameras.
It won’t damage the camera so try it and see what happens.
And yes, as Ron said, the Kingston 266x and faster cards are fine. In any brand of card, you want to buy a fast one, like 266x or 300x.
And that is a bargain for a 16GB card!!!
Peter
fotografen-welt cologne
23 Jun 2010We test the Nikon D700 and the Canon 5DII. 4 Weeks, Portrait, Sport, Wedding, Exibition and Events. Evaluation, http://www.fotografen-welt.de/blog/tag/canon-vs-nikon/ . Nikon wins by high iso, AF, best lenses and best colors by naturephotography. Canon: More Details, high Quality – 800iso, FullHD-Video, best whitebalance, Software and RAW import by Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Regards from Cologne … take care
oriemiuro
16 Jul 2011Hi Friends,
This is Martin. I am newbie to Photocrai and find the information and tutorials profoundly fascinating and reassuring. That’s why I am happy to read this latest post.
Thanks a end
Martin Bayless