EXCERPT page containing first few paragraphs. 2024-04-25 03:27:58
UA_SEARCH_BOT_compatible_botmozilla/5.0 applewebkit/537.36 (khtml, like gecko; compatible; claudebot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com) @ 18.189.170.17
For full access, subscribe here. Or click title to login.

Test scene

D3x vs D3 and EOS 1DsM3

This page compares the D3x’s 24.4 megapixels to the 12.1 megapixels of the Nikon D3, and the 21.1 megapixels of the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III.

Multiple trials were shot with each camera, using the Coastal Optics 60mm f/4 UV-VIS-IR APO macro. The tripod remained fixed, but due to slight differences in angle between the camera+bracket combination, a slight angle adjustment had to be made for each cameras to keep the same coverage.

Matching focus, field curvature, etc

Matching focus is maddeningly difficult. Complicating matters, it appears that there is slight field curvature to the Coastal Optics 60mm f/4 used for this comparison at this distance (80 feet or so). The edges are optimal at f/8, the center is optimal at f/5.6.

Even with Live View at maximum magnification, matching focus is a exceedingly difficult; a high confidence level (yes) is the only thing that allows presentation of such comparisons. Even so, there is no guarantee that each camera was at its absolute optimal setting (3 trials shot for each using LiveView and a magnifying viewer). In particular, the Canon 1Ds Mark III image peaks at f/8, showing a slight but visible contrast improvement over f/5.6, whereas the D3 and D3x images peak at f/5.6 and show a slight degradation of contrast at f/8. All cameras show a decline at f/11 in contrast. Comments refer to the center of the image; best results at the edges require f/8 for all.

Article continues for subscribers...

Diglloyd Advanced DSLR is by yearly subscription. Subscribe now for about 16 cents a day ($60/year).
BEST DEAL: get full access to ALL 8 PUBLICATIONS for about 75 cents a day!

Diglloyd DAP is DSLR-oriented, but also contains workflow and other topics. Much of the focus is on Canon and Nikon but also Pentax and Pentax medium format.

Special emphasis is placed on lens evaluation, focusing on Canon and Nikon and Sigma lenses, but with a few others like Rokinon/Samyang.

Make better images by learning how to get the best results right away.
Save money by choosing the right lens for your needs the first time, particularly some of the new Sigma Art lenses vs Nikon and Canon.
Workflow discusses image organization, raw conversion and post processing. Many examples show processing parameters for direct insight into how the image was converted.
Jaw-dropping image quality found nowhere else utilizing Retina-grade images up to full camera resolution, plus large crops [past 2 years or so].
Real world examples with insights found nowhere else. Make sharper images just by understanding lens behavior you won’t read about elsewhere.
Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
Optical quality analysis of field curvature, focus shift, sharpness, flare, distortion, and performance in the field.

Want a preview? Click on any page below to see an excerpt as well as extensive blog coverage, for example on Nikon or on Canon or on Pentax.

Actual pixels: D3x (left), 1DsM3 (middle), D3 (right)