Nikon D800 in Dx Mode
Apr 5, 2013 11:11:38 #
I should make the following clear before I ask my question:
* I understand that there are those who find it ridiculous to use a full frame camera in crop mode, and I realize for optimal quality the best Fx glass should be used, but I own one Dx lens with which I am not yet ready to part.
* I understand that the reduction in the number of pixels available, by shooting in Dx mode, is going to limit the sharpness of the final image.
* I realize the image in the viewfinder, when in Dx mode, will be small and partially grayed out.
* I believe multiple factors are operating, such as the sensor design itself, and the processor used, and so it is hard to make an apples to apples comparison.
Now for the question:
What will the effect be on high ISO noise production shooting a D800 in Dx mode, in particular compared with the Dx Nikon 7100?
It seems clear that shooting in Fx mode (either the D800 or the D600) noise levels are measurably better than a DX sensor camera can produce. It is not clear to me what happens when the mode on the Fx camera is reduced to Dx. Obviously there are fewer pixels to contend with, but each available pixel is larger than what one would find on the D7100 24MP sensor. My understanding is that this should produce an image with less noise, in the Fx sensor in Dx mode than in a pure Dx camera .
In the back of my mind is the idea that I can always upgrade that one Dx lens I own but the inherent high ISO performance of the camera body is locked in.
* I understand that there are those who find it ridiculous to use a full frame camera in crop mode, and I realize for optimal quality the best Fx glass should be used, but I own one Dx lens with which I am not yet ready to part.
* I understand that the reduction in the number of pixels available, by shooting in Dx mode, is going to limit the sharpness of the final image.
* I realize the image in the viewfinder, when in Dx mode, will be small and partially grayed out.
* I believe multiple factors are operating, such as the sensor design itself, and the processor used, and so it is hard to make an apples to apples comparison.
Now for the question:
What will the effect be on high ISO noise production shooting a D800 in Dx mode, in particular compared with the Dx Nikon 7100?
It seems clear that shooting in Fx mode (either the D800 or the D600) noise levels are measurably better than a DX sensor camera can produce. It is not clear to me what happens when the mode on the Fx camera is reduced to Dx. Obviously there are fewer pixels to contend with, but each available pixel is larger than what one would find on the D7100 24MP sensor. My understanding is that this should produce an image with less noise, in the Fx sensor in Dx mode than in a pure Dx camera .
In the back of my mind is the idea that I can always upgrade that one Dx lens I own but the inherent high ISO performance of the camera body is locked in.
Apr 5, 2013 11:19:48 #
When you use the DX lens on D600 or D800 you will be using only part of the sensor to take photographs, a part in the middle of the sensor that is the same size as a DX sensor. Therefore your lens will not effect the ISO of your D800, meaning you have better low light performance than if you use a D7100. Yes, you understand it right.
Apr 6, 2013 06:04:57 #
JPL wrote:
When you use the DX lens on D600 or D800 you will be using only part of the sensor to take photographs, a part in the middle of the sensor that is the same size as a DX sensor. Therefore your lens will not effect the ISO of your D800, meaning you have better low light performance than if you use a D7100. Yes, you understand it right.
Right on!
Apr 6, 2013 09:12:08 #
Jerry Green
Loc: Huntsville, AL
DX mode is also great for making movies, with its 50% larger image. I use DX on full frame lens when making movies or if I know that I will have to crop a lot anyway.
Apr 6, 2013 22:06:47 #
I have both types of lens--I have not seen any difference--but would at the 30x40 or extreme crop--but if you aren't going there I doubt you will be aware that anything has changed--on my D800 all that happens is a crop square appears when I put on like my Sigma 8-16--takes perfectly good pictures.
Stan
Stan
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