Nikon D3100 Comparison of ISO 1600 3200 6400 & 12,800

One of the big things I'm curious about with my new Nikon D3100 is how the high ISO noise levels and image quality stack up.

Lightroom 3 doesn't support the D3100 files yet, so we're left with RAW conversions from ViewNX2 or jpgs straight out of the camera.

Still, even though I'm dying to see how Lightroom 3's new advanced noise reduction handles the Nikon D3100 RAW files, things are looking very good using ViewNX2 and OOC jpgs.

Here's some random shots from around the house to compare the D3100 high ISO noise at ISO 1600, 3200, 6400, and 12,800.

Click on any of the photos to see a larger image. Full size jpgs are available at my D3100 Flickr page.


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 1600


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 3200


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 6400


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 12,800


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 1600


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 3200


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 6400


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 12,800


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 3200


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 6400


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 12,800


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 1600


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 3200


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 6400


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 12,800


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 6400


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 6400


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 6400


Nikon D3100 with Nikon 50mm f1.4G @ ISO 6400

Stay tuned for more as I continue to put my new Nikon D3100 through it's paces...

Related posts...

Nikon D3100 High ISO Wedding Images

Nikon D3100 Unboxed

Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D90

Nikon D3100 Gamechanger

Nikon D3100... the Perfect Prime Camera?

Nikon D3100 High ISO Wedding Images

I had the Nikon D3100 with me at last Saturday's wedding.

It was a great chance to try it out in low light indoors, not to mention mixed, less than ideal lighting.

Shot some candid and detail photos during the reception using the Nikon 50mm f1.4G on the D3100.

Here's a few (click on the image to see larger)...


Nikon D3100 @ ISO 1800


Nikon D3100 @ ISO 6400


Nikon D3100 @ ISO 3200

You can see the full-size jpgs at my Nikon D3100 Flickr set.

Related posts...

Nikon D3100 Unboxed

Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D90

Nikon D3100 Gamechanger

Nikon D3100... the Perfect Prime Camera?

Nikon D3100 Unboxed

Nikon D3100 & Nikon 50mm f1.4G

My Nikon D3100 came in! Here's it is unboxed with the Nikon 50mm f1.4G AF-S on it, which is the lens that will likely stay on it.

I'm curious to see if the Nikon D3100 is going to make the grade as a prime camera.

It's small and light.

It has the same excellent 11 point auto focus system as the Nikon D90.

The big bonus... the D3100 appears to have even better high ISO image quality than the D90 despite it having 2 more megapixels (from all initial reports and sample images I've seen).

So... here we go. Time to put my new Nikon D3100 through it's paces.

(of course, my Nikon D7000 should be here in a couple of weeks, and that is on my mind too so my Nikon D3100 has got to make the grade or it'll get dropped in favour of a 2nd D7000)

Related posts...

Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D90

Nikon D3100 Gamechanger

Nikon D3100... the Perfect Prime Camera?

The Nikon D90 - The Perfect DSLR For Just About Everyone

Nikon D7000 - The New Crop Sensor DSLR King!

Nikon D7000

So the internet is humming with talk of the Nikon D7000. As I wrote yesterday, The Nikon D7000 Over-Delivers In Spades! and I wasn't exaggerating.

With it's SUPER impressive specs, build, and performance (check out Chase Jarvis' D7000 3200 ISO image sample), there isn't anything out there in a DX body that comes close to the D7000, especially when you consider the price.

Even Nikon's own line-up has been shaken up by the D7000. It's now the top megapixel crop sensor DSLR they have, second only in resolution to the formidable Nikon D3x.

And the high ISO looks VERY good!

From all initial reports and the images I've seen, the D7000 rivals the full frame Nikon D700 and D3 (not the Nikon D3s mind you) for high ISO image quality. I have to think Nikon wouldn't have done this without knowing they would be releasing a Nikon D700 update soon.

Perhaps the Nikon D700s and the Nikon D700x are coming sooner than I thought!

And what about the D300s and D400? Is the Nikon D7000 replacing the Nikon D300s / D400 in the lineup? If not, I can hardly wait to see what the D400 will look like!

So, if you're over at Canon and you just released the disappointing, under-spec'd, and un-exciting Canon 60D, you have to be a little concerned here. The Nikon D7000 just SMOKES the 60D. In fact, the D7000 looks like it'll blow away the Canon 7D too.

And Pentax, Olympus, and Sony have to be worried too. Nothing they have can take on the D7000, and it's only priced at $1199.99 USD!

As always, competition is good, and the Nikon D7000 will most certainly cause Canon and the others to pull up their socks and deliver more to the customer at a better price which is EXCELLENT news for all of us photographers!

Related posts...

Nikon D7000 vs Nikon D700 High ISO Shoot-Out

Nikon D7000 First Impressions After a Few Hours of Shooting

Nikon D7000 Unboxed Video

Nikon D7000 - The New Crop Sensor DSLR King!

WOW! The Nikon D7000 Over-Delivers In Spades!

So I'm reading the Nikon D7000 specs, and this little voice in my head keeps saying, "Thank you, thank you, thank you Nikon" over and over again. :-)

This thing ROCKS!

Dual card slots!

AF fine tuning to dial in your lenses!

1/8000 shutter speed!

Manual video control!

Partial Magnesium alloy body with weather sealing!

And those are just the surprises!!! We got everything else we were expecting too!

16 megapixel sensor, full 1080 HD video, external mic jack for the video, AF-F continous video focus, new 39 point AF system... and the list goes on! Check it out at Nikon's website

Related posts...

Nikon D7000 vs Nikon D700 High ISO Shoot-Out

Nikon D7000 First Impressions After a Few Hours of Shooting

Nikon D7000 Unboxed Video

Nikon D7000 - The New Crop Sensor DSLR King!

Is the Nikon D7000 replacing the Nikon D300s / D400?

Nikon D7000 Spec Rundown

3 Reasons to Buy the Nikon D90 over the Nikon D3100

Nikon D90 vs Nikon D3100

Yesterday I received another email from a reader wanting my advice on whether he should buy the Nikon D90 or the Nikon D3100. I've had a few such emails now, including the one I posted last week... What to Buy... Nikon D90, Canon T2i, or Nikon D3100???

The Nikon D90 is STILL a great DSLR. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, especially with the low pricing available these days. Despite the Nikon D3100 being two years newer, there are three reasons to buy the Nikon D90 over the D3100.

1) Lenses... the Nikon D90 can shoot with pretty much ALL of the Nikon lenses. Want to use that stellar Nikon 50mm f1.8 AF-D? No problem. Want to use the portrait favourite Nikon 85mm f1.8 AF-D? No problem. Want to go really wide and light? Put the Nikon 20mm f2.8 AF-D on the D90.

You can't use any of the above lens on the Nikon D3100 and get auto focus. It only takes the newer AF-S lenses because it doesn't have an AF motor in the body. This is BIG for me and a lot of people. While I'll be picking up a D3100, it's primarily to use as a prime camera... specifically with my Nikon 50mm f1.4G AF-S. If you want to use non AF-S lenses and don't have another Nikon DSLR like the D90 that will take them, the Nikon D3100 probably isn't for you. Go for the Nikon D90.

2) Monitor... it may not seem like much, but the Nikon D90 has a MUCH better monitor than the Nikon D3100. The D3100 has a 3" monitor with 230,000 dots vs the D90 monitor at 3" and 921,000 dots.

This is HUGE when it comes to viewing your photos and judging sharpness and contrast. I had the Nikon D5000 for a couple months, and it was one of my biggest pet peeves with it. It was no fun to go from the D90's beautiful high resolution to the D5000's low resolution monitor.

The Nikon D90 has the same high resolution monitor found on the Nikon flagships. The Nikon D700, D3s, and D3x all have the same monitor. It's just better, period.

3) Size, weight, and feel... again, this may not seem like much, but the Nikon D90 just feels more professional, more solid, and better in the hands. Of course, it's a personal preference, but it's also one that MANY photographers will agree with.

The D3100 is 4.9"wx3.8"hx2.9"d vs the D90 at 5.2"wx4.1"hx3.0"d. The D3100 weights 16oz (455g) vs the D90 at 22oz (620g). Before you disregard the size, weight, and feel as a minor issue, go to your local camera store and hold both of them (if the D3100 isn't in yet, which it won't be at the time of this post, then compare the D3000 to the D90). See what works for you. A lot of people prefer the size, weight, and feel of the D90.

Of course, there are a few good reasons to buy the Nikon D3100 over the Nikon D90 too! :-)

Related posts...

The Nikon D90 - The Perfect DSLR For Just About Everyone

Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D90

Nikon D3100 Gamechanger

Nikon D3100... the Perfect Prime Camera?

Nikon D90 Replacement by Mid-September

Canon 1Ds MarkIV or Nikon D4x - Which will come first?

Canon 1Ds Mark IV

CanonRumors has been posting various tidbits and rumors relating to when we might expect to see the Canon 1Ds MarkIV.

Most of us were expecting to see the 1Ds MarkIV announced by Photokina this year, but it would seem that may not be happening. In fact, if the rumors are true, Canon may be waiting for Nikon to announce the Nikon D4x before they make any Canon 1Ds MarkIV annoucements.

Regardless of if they wait for Nikon, the rumor now is that we won't see the 1Ds MarkIV until 2011, or (GASP!) even early 2012.

I'm kinda doubtful of this though. Traditionally, neither Nikon or Canon has held back new products in order to see what the other is doing. Even if Canon wanted to see what Nikon is going to announce with the Nikon D4x, why not release the 1Ds MarkIV now and then tweak an update as an "s" version later if need be?

Let's say Canon announces the 1Ds MarkIV this week in time for Photokina. They get to enjoy top spot in the game for a while until Nikon announces the Nikon D4x, both satisfying professionals who need the update to the 1Ds MarkIII and keeping the Canon faithful happy that Canon is remaining a strong competitor in the DSLR game.

Then, when Nikon announces the D4x, if Canon feels they need to do some tweaks and up-dates to the 1Ds MkIV in response, they can release an updated "s" version... the Canon 1Ds MarkIVs.

It's a win-win situation.

Frankly, I don't see any benefit in Canon waiting to release the 1Ds MarkIV. Just the opposite actually, I see a lot of potential negative to waiting.

Come on Canon... show us what you've got!

Related posts...

Nikon D4, D4x, D700s, D700x 2011 Lineup

Nikon D4x at 38 Megapixels!

Days of Summer Photo Contest - Some great photos!

So the Days of Summer Photo Contest is well under way, and we've had some great photos submitted so far.

Here's a few of my favourites...

Click on any of the above to go to the posted image in the Days of Summer Photo Contest Flickr group.

If you haven't already submitted your photos for the contest, JUST DO IT!

Contest details are here.

Is the Nikon D7000 replacing the Nikon D300s / D400?

Nikon D7000 DSLR

The rumored specs of the Nikon D7000 are IMPRESSIVE!

So impressive in fact, that it got Peter Gregg and myself thinking that perhaps Nikon is doing away with the Nikon D300s / D400 spot in the Nikon DSLR line-up.

Check out the anticipated specs of the D7000 as recently updated on NikonRumors.com...

• 100% viewfinder
• Dual SD memory card slots
• Magnesium-alloy body
• 16.2MP CMOS sensor (DX)
• Expeed 2
• 1080 HD video @24p 720 @30p (not sure about those)
• 20 min video recording (up from 5min on the D90)
• Save images from video (similar to the D3s)
• AF during video
• Stereo mic input for video
• 6 fps
• Virtual horizon (like the D300s)
• One touch video and/or live view (similar to the D3100)
• Improved ISO range: 100-25600
• 39 AF points
• Wireless flash
• Weather proof (like the D300s)
• New battery system
• Expected price: $1199 for body only
• Update: no swivel display

Sounds like everything and more that we might expect in a Nikon D400. Certainly a DSLR I'd take OVER the Nikon D300s.

So where does the Nikon D300s / Nikon D400 level of DSLR fit in the line-up?

Is Nikon eliminating the D300s / D400 level of camera?

Post a comment and let me know what YOU think?

Related posts...

Nikon D7000 - The New Crop Sensor DSLR King!

Wow! The Nikon D7000 Over-Delivers In Spades!

Nikon D7000 Spec Rundown

Nikon D90 Replacement by Mid-September

Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D90

What to buy... Nikon D90, Canon T2i, or Nikon D3100???

Had a good question from a reader today that I'm sure a lot of folks may be asking at this point so I thought I'd share it.

Steve writes in...

I am sure you get these all the time, and after reading you posts, I know what the stock reply has been (D90). Here is my situation. After 4.5 years of waiting, my wife and I are leaving for China on October 5th to adopt our daughter. Our little Sony Cybershot camera isn't going to cut the mustard. The adoption is decimating our savings, and to pay for a camera purchase I have recently sold my beloved SCUBA gear. Ok, so now you have some background.

I've been going back and forth, back and forth again, and again. Over the D90 vs. the Canon T2i. As you might expect, the 1080p video on the T2i vs. 780p on the D90 is causing my heartburn. Throw in the soon to be released D3100 and its auto-focus video, and well, you can imagine the agony I am feeling right now.

I consider video importantly, but its never been as a big a focus for us as the pictures. I think the fact that this is a huge life event, the video more of a big deal.

-Have you ever felt disappointed by only have 720p video on the D90? Enough so that if say there wasn't ever going to be a new D90, would you sell your D90 t buy the D3100?

-What's your opinion on the Nikon Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens? If I bought the D90 and only this lens, would I find it acceptable for everything buy wide shots?

You wouldn't believe how hard this decision is. I was hoping you might offer an opinion if you have the time. Thanks in advance.

-Steve

and here's my reply...

Hi Steve,

Congrats on your new daughter!

Here's my thoughts on your situation. I have both the D90 and the T2i. Both are capable of excellent photos, but the T2i is better for video.

When it comes to photography, I prefer the D90. Mind you, I prefer Nikon in general. I've shot both Canon and Nikon over the years, and Nikon is built better, has less problems, and backs that up with a MUCH stronger warranty (i.e. Nikon DSLR bodies have 2 years warranties, Canon DSLR bodies have 1 year warranties. Nikon lenses have 5 year warranties, Canon lenses have 1 year warranties.)

The warranty issue is HUGE for me as I feel a company backs up their product accordingly to how well it's built.

Nikon DSLR's tend to have a lot more features than Canon DSLR's too.

The D90 video is fine. Yes, it's 720p, but do you really need 1080p? I'd suggest if you're not doing anything professional, then the answer is no. I bought my T2i because I have some professional video projects on the go where I needed the 1080p HD of the T2i, as well as the ability to use an external microphone.

All this said, the D3100 should be out mid-September. It'll have the 1080p HD video, the better warranty, and the new AF-F continous video focus which is a HUGE advantage over both the D90 and the T2i in my opinion.

Bear in mind, the D3100 won't let you auto focus with the non AF-S lenses. You won't be able to use a Nikon 50mm f1.8 AF-D on it unless you're focusing manually. Not a big deal considering there is the Nikon 35mm f1.8G and Nikon 50mm f1.4G available, both of which are excellent.

Regarding the Nikon 50mm f1.8 AF-D, it's a stellar performer. Probably the BEST value in the entire Nikon lens line-up. Yes, if you have a wide lens to go with it, you'd be fine using it for everything else. Consider the very good 18-55 kit lens (VR or non-VR) to go with it, and you're good. Add the new 55-300mm VR, and you've got a great set-up. Wide, long, and fast!

So here's my suggestion... get on the list for one of the first Nikon D3100 bodies to arrive at your local store. If it doesn't come in before you leave, negotiate the best price you can get on a Nikon D90. It'll be fine for your trip, and if you decide once you get back that you really want the D3100, then you can sell the D90 for close to what you paid (or trade it in if your camera store gives you good value) and get the D3100. Win-win situation. Add the Nikon 18-55mm, the 55-300mm VR, and the 50mm f1.8, and you're good to go to China!

Hope this helps!

Matt

P.S. If you don't mind, I'm going to post your inquiry so others who might be having similar considerations can consider my reply too.

and Steve's follow-up email...

Hey Matt,

Thanks for the quick reply! Please feel free to post the question/answer. I found your site really helpful, so of course I don't mind if your advice is shared with others with similar questions. I think your recommendation is a sound one, and if the D3100 is released mid-September, a pretty good thing.

The other aspect to this is of course the wife. I've been billing the purchase of a more expensive camera as getting both great photos and video, somehow I don't see her appreciating having to manually focus video. Maybe it's not a big deal, but EVERYONE seems to be going ga-ga over the D3100 getting this feature.

The D3100 seems to only come with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens ( Amazon)), which is fine really. Since I anticipate the focus of the trip being more on my daughter than stuff far away, would you agree that having the Nikon 35mm F1.8 G AF-S DX is a better choice because the F1.8 will give me better performance for inside shots than the 18-55 @ F3.5?

Thanks again Matt, probably the best advice I have received to date!

-Steve

and my reply back...

Yes, the AF-F video auto focus is HUGE.

Tough call on the lens. Personally, I'd probably get both if I was in your shoes. That way you'll have a wide that doubles as a back-up. At the kit price, you can't really go wrong.

That said, I would have no problem using just the Nikon 35mm f1.8G. That's actually all I ever used when I had a D5000 for a few months. It's a fantastic lens!

So, in a nutshell folks... if you're up in the air between these cameras, go with the D3100. If you need something TODAY, get a D90.

If video takes priority over photography for professional or other reasons, the T2i is probably your best option TODAY. Keep in mind though, the Nikon D7000 should be announced in a week or two, and that WILL then become the best option, hands down.

Related posts...

Nikon D7000 Spec Rundown

Nikon D90 Replacement by Mid-September

Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D90

Nikon D3100 Gamechanger

Nikon D3100... the Perfect Prime Camera?

Days of Summer Photo Contest Begins Today!

Good Morning Photographers!

Get your cameras out, check them over, charge your batteries, make sure you downloaded and backed up your last shoot before formatting your memory card, clean your lenses, and start your engines!

The subject of the Art of the Image Photo Contest for September is "Days Of Summer". Thanks to John Clarke for the suggestion!

As the summer of 2010 winds down, we thought this would be a perfect subject to show off some of your best summer photos, and since summer isn't over yet, you've still got time to get some more great shots for the contest!

The contest is FREE to all. There is NO CHARGE to enter. Each person can submit up 10 photos each for consideration. The contest starts today, September 1st, 2010 and runs until the end of the month, September 30, 2010.

We'll be posting some of our favorite photo entries through-out September to show off some of the best photo submissions.

The winner will be selected during the first week of October, at which time we'll announce the top ten photo submissions and... drum roll... the grand prize winner. For the Grand Prize Peter Gregg has generously agreed to donate one of his awesome A Better Bounce Cards, and Art of the Image will be adding your choice of any DSLR battery we carry to sweeten the pot!

That's right folks! Top prize to the winner will be a A Better Bounce Card and your choice of any DSLR battery we carry!

To submit your photos, just head on over to the Days of Summer Flickr Group and submit your photos. Remember, 10 entries per person is the limit.

And just to keep your creative juices flowing past September, we thought we'd let you know the subject for October's contest as well. October's Art of the Image Photo Contest subject will be "Little Things".