Suggestions for an upgrade from D5500 (Page 2): Granted, the day was overcast. It just seems like the ISO's are high and I'm just generally not pleased with the amount of noise.

Deanie1113

Granted, the day was overcast. It just seems like the ISO's are high and I'm just generally not pleased with the amount of noise. Perhaps I am being overly picky. (I have discovered I am noise averse!) These are also showing up here much less sharp than what the original file shows. These are raw and totally unedited. Thank you!

1/1000 F5.3 ISO 2800
1/1000 F5.3 ISO 2800...

(Download)

1/125 F5.6 ISO 1800
1/125 F5.6 ISO 1800...

(Download)

CO

I zoomed in close and I don't see the chroma type noise that's often visible at high ISO's. It look like it's more a front focusing or back focusing issue. Have you checked for that? Also, Nikon sets the default sharpening for .jpeg files out of the camera very low at level 3.

Are the photos better if you shoot at low ISO settings?

CO

Deanie1113 wrote:

Thanks so much. I found the chart a little confusing. Is it just saying the D750 has a little less noise as the ISO goes up as compared to the D5500? By looking at that chart, would you say there is a significant difference?

Yes, There's about a one f-stop difference.

Deanie1113

CO wrote:

I zoomed in close and I don't see the chroma type noise that's often visible at high ISO's. It look like it's more a front focusing or back focusing issue. Have you checked for that? Also, Nikon sets the default sharpening for .jpeg files out of the camera very low at level 3.

Are the photos better if you shoot at low ISO settings?

Yes, they are better at low ISO settings. Haven't checked for the focusing issue, but will now that you mention it. Thank you!

Gobuster Loc: South Florida

I downloaded the first photo and ran it through Topaz Denoise and Sharpen with the following results. I think the noise was significantly improved but YMMV. If you like the result the programs can be had for about $100, a lot less than a new camera!

Gobuster Loc: South Florida

Sorry, forgot to "add attachment"!

(Download)

CO

Deanie1113 wrote:

Yes, they are better at low ISO settings. Haven't checked for the focusing issue, but will now that you mention it. Thank you!

Here's a target I use to check for back or front focusing. It's the DataColor SpyderLensCal. The zero on the scale should be in the best focus. I was testing my Tamron 45mm f/1.8 on my D750. It was back focusing slightly. I entered +3 in the AF fine tuning.

(Download)

Haydon

Deanie1113 wrote:

Thanks so much. I found the chart a little confusing. Is it just saying the D750 has a little less noise as the ISO goes up as compared to the D5500? By looking at that chart, would you say there is a significant difference?

Keep in mind buying a FF body will reduce noise but your expense won't end there. You'll want FX glass and that's where you will start spending BIG money. You'll be disappointed using DX glass on a FF significantly reducing the number of pixels in the image unless you buy a big megapixel body and that somewhat defeats the purpose.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

A great combination of low-light capability and low-weight is the Nikon D7500.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Deanie1113 wrote:

I have $2,000 to spend tops. My whole goal of upgr... (show quote)

If weight is a concern you should consider mirrorless.

CO

Another thing to do is to download Nikon Capture NX-i or Capture NX-D from Nikon's website. If you open your RAW file in those software packages, you can turn on "Show Focus Point". In your photo, it looks like the tennis racket is in better focus than the young man. The focus point landed there or it's front focusing.

Open your RAW file in Nikon's software. It can show where the focus point(s) landed

The tennis racket is in better focus than the young man. The focus point landed there or the camera is front focusing

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

These have always been my thoughts on upgrading, do it when the camera or lens are not fit to the job at hand. In many cases we are talking about a better and faster AF, a lens sporting a larger maximum aperture or better sequential shooting.
Noise seems to be your concern and I wonder if you have ever used a noise reduction software. The new DeNoise AI by Topaz is very good although with my computer and OS it is somewhat slow.
You have a good combo in your D5500 and the 18-140. I am sure that if you learn under low light conditions and using RAW data how to expose to the right your noise issues are going to be under better control.
If I were you I would save my money for another lens and would use a noise reduction software.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Because of weight issues for me I traded my Nikon gear for an Olympus OM-D E-m5 Mark II and the
14-150 II lens. Both are weather sealed. I couldn’t be happier with my choice. The M 5 II will run you a max of $899 and the lens about $600. The image stabilization is phenomenal. You would have enough money left over for an Oly 50mm 1.8. The images I’m getting from this camera are great. The Live View feature makes a huge difference. Do pick up an extra battery.

Jaackil Loc: Massachusetts

Your D5500 is a good camera with good, not great, but good enough low noise capabilities. I think you have a couple of things going on with it. First you have a focus issue, as mentioned previously. Second I am going to guess you are shooting in an automatic setting. If you are, a better understanding of exposure and the exposure triangle will help you reduce noise by controlling the settings yourself. Otherwise you will spend a lot of money on a new body and still end up with noise. Personally I would use the money and invest in glass. Moving to a full frame camera will only give you less noise at higher ISO If you are shooting outdoors even on overcast days you should be able to shoot at lower ISO’s. Full frame bodies will be considerably heavier. Lastly stop blowing the images up and looking for noise. Pixel peeping will drive you crazy. Look at the images at the size you are going to naturally view or print them. Your images have pretty good composition now you have to find the exposure settings that work best to get lower ISO. Good Luck.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

CHG_CANON wrote:

Save yourself some money. Instead, start a new post in the photo analysis or post processing sections with noisy image examples and lets some experts give you some free shooting advice. This won't lighten the camera weight, but you should learn how to better use this excellent camera or any new camera.