Handheld shooting and ISO
Although I use tripods regularly (preferring the Gitzo GT 3540 XLS with the Arca Swiss C1 Cube Geared head), I greatly prefer handheld shooting for its creative freedom, and it is one reason I like the Nikon D3, in spite of its having “only” 12.1 megapixels (see my Sept 24 comments on the 5D Mark II). It’s a shame Canon couldn’t offer two versions of the 5D Mark II: one at the announced 21 megapixels and another at 12 megapixels, with the latter optimized for high ISO performance.
While there’s no arguing with megapixels (something coming to DAP on this subject soon), the noise that comes with higher ISOs closes the gap between the 21 megapixel EOS 1Ds Mark III and Nikon D3 (see my DAP research on noise).
In the image below, the extra resolution is fun in discovering a reasonably detailed bug hitching a ride on this floating leaf (I liked another composition much better, but the bug didn’t cooperate). But the noise at ISO 1600 is pronounced enough that it’s questionable whether the 1DsM3 offers any real advantage over what would have been a much cleaner Nikon D3 image. For that matter, the depth of field even at f/8 is so limited that most of those megapixels go unused.
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III + Leica 90/2 APO-Summicron-R, handheld @ 1/60 sec, f/8
Actual pixels
For those curious about the use of the Leica 90/2 APO-Summicron-R on the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, I use a Novoflex Leica-to-EOS adapter, available at B&H Photo. The Leica 90/2 I purchased used for a great price, and Leica did a stellar job making it look just like new.
Who says color balance has to be “correct”? The late season and late day shade in the creek-bottom felt much more like this rendering.
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III + Leica 90/2 APO-Summicron-R, handheld @ 1/60 sec, f/8
