|
|
|
|
|
|
Color
 |
 |
Click on either image above to go to the corresponding page.
Introduction
Each person’s color perception is different. Our biological optics age along with the rest of our body, with the lenses in our eyes yellowing with age. In addition, a broad spectrum of color sensation exists, ranging from gifted individuals capable of discerning exquisitely fine variations in color, to those individuals with severe color blindness.
The author does not claim to be a color expert, and can only report what his particular eyes discern, based on how the images appear on a reasonably good color-calibrated display, and in prints.
The assessment of color can be quite subjective. With many comparisons, objective measurements are appropriate, but with color rendition, subjective judgments also involve how pleasing the color is—which can be more important than absolute color accuracy for many photographers.
The author more than once has heard strong opinions on the merits of color rendition with Canon versus Nikon. Usually such differences have as much to do with how the images were converted from RAW form, but there are real differences in color rendition between brands, especially under non-standard lighting (such differences are analyzed in D2x vs EOS).
For details on how the images were processed, see Raw-file Processing. [See also Raw-file Converters].
The comparisons
Two color comparisons are included: Macbeth Color Checker and Crayons.
Many of the other pages of this review include images in which color can be compared. Please see Lighthouse, Forest Scene, Sulfur Mine, and Field Test—Aspens.
Conclusions
Please see the conclusions on the Macbeth Color Checker page and Crayons page.
The two cameras are a close match in terms of color accuracy, with little difference between them. However, the D200 produces less saturated color that need additional saturation to match that of the D2x, particularly in reds, oranges and yellows.
