Compared to...

Nikon D70 vs. Canon EOS 300D (Digital Rebel)

Studio scene comparison (ISO 1600, JPEG)

The same studio scene comparison shot (and setup) as the previous page but here shot at ISO 1600. This time we are looking for any decrease in sharpness at this higher sensitivity and the differences in visible noise. Again, as with previous comparisons the EOS 300D exposure was set a third of a stop faster than the D70.

Camera settings:

• Nikon D70: Nikkor 50 mm F1.4 D, Manual Exposure, ISO 1600, JPEG Large/Fine,
  Manual WB, Default Parameters ('Normal'), Self-timer
   
• Canon EOS 300D: Canon EF 50 mm F1.4, Manual Exposure, ISO 1600, JPEG Large/Fine,
  Manual WB, Default Parameters ('Parameter 1'), Self-timer

Nikon D70	Canon EOS 300D
ISO 1600, 1/15 sec, F9	ISO 1600, 1/20 sec, F9
2,571 KB JPEG (3008 x 2000)	3,479 KB (3072 x 2048)

At this high sensitivity it's fairly clear to see that both cameras automatically decrease their sharpening to an attempt to keep visible noise down. Again its very close, both cameras performing fairly similarly, if anything I would say that the D70's images are more preferable because its noise is more even throughout the color channels and appears as monochromatic 'grain' rather than the color blotches seen in the EOS 300D image (which is also more difficult to remove later). Kudos to Nikon then.