Many folks here think of the Nikon D1X as a more robust camera than
the Canon 10D. Indeed this is true-- it is really built to last and
last.
But it does go beyond that. And, it proves that specifications
don't tell the entire story about how a picture "will look". To be
fair on all accounts the Canon 10D should deliver a better picture,
yes? Lower noise... slightly larger file size... etc, etc. And with
similar class lenses the results should be similar at least. But
they aren't.
Now, you've probably seen my posts here and have visited my floral
galleries. If you haven't you should take a look at this first.
This photo is from my "Summer Rain" collection and was shot
entirely in Adobe RGB with a Nikon D1X with the Nikkor 105mm lens.
To see this picture in print is absolutely jaw dropping. Right out
of the camera with minimal processing for the web, this photo speak
volumes about exposure, contrast, color and accuracy.
Now lets shift gears for a moment: We're going to move to my
"Solstice" collection of photos which were shot with the Canon D60.
Again, these are lovely photos- taken very carefully- but however
did lack some of the punch of the D1X images. Namely in even
exposure accross the frame. But the results are quite good overall.
But much work was needed in PS to bring these pictures to their
current state. Here is a sample:
Now, check out this sample from my "Legends of the Fall" collection
which was shot entirely with a Nikon 5700. Once again, Nikon's
superb exposure algorithms show up in spades. The ability for the
5700 to maintain awesome colors and deep shadow details while
minimizing hotspots and maximizing contrast are amazing.
But what about the 10D? Well, I sold both the D1X and the D60 about
the time when my company shifted gears towards video production.
Since that time, we've shifted back to still photography and are
using a Canon 10D now. Here is a sample from the 10D from my "Tulip
Town" collection:
I have been a photographer for quite some years and I'm not new to
handling both consumer and pro gear. I have enough understanding of
the hardware and software to maximize photo quality in the final
output. In my time behind the camera, I have never used a tool with
such precise exposure as the Nikon D1X. In camera, this machine
delivers the goods with aplomb. What would make an atmospheric
photo of fog hanging over a lake with fingers of trees and shrubs
tickling the edges of the water would look exactly like that as
shown below:
My experience, however with the 10D in it's current iteration with
the same sort of shot would suffer from flat contrast, over
exposure and blown highlights way below the threshold of the 10D's
rated capability. I can't put a finger on it-- but in the process
of building a more versatile camera, Canon has left behind the
magic of color and saturation that was a part of the excellent D60.
Don't get me wrong-- this is not to start or flame the 10D at all.
I have achieved excellent results with it often-- but not often
enough to be entirely pleased.
I will tame the workflow to maximize the quality of the 10D-- but
to be fair, it ain't no D1X. The D60 came close-- but the 10D
drifted further out still.
