Quote Originally Posted by neuroanatomist


I chose different ISO's in an attempt to compensate for the effect of sensor size on noise (and chose incorrectly by 1/3 stop). However, to try and keep things on relatively even footing, shutter speeds were kept constant as aperture changed, and were similar on the two cameras - to compensate for the narrower apertures, I increased Speedlite power. Here, too, I goofed...I simply used the C.Fn to set the sync speed to the max, meaning the 5DII shutter speed was 1/200 s throughout and the 7D was 1/250 s throughout - again, a 1/3-stop difference, but unfortunately in the same direction as my ISO choice.


So, in a way, I inadvertently stacked the noise deck in favor of the 5DII by 2/3 of a stop. Still, to me, there is more than 2/3 of a stop worth of extra noise in the 7D images. I'm starting to believe in Rick'sconspiracy theory... Looking at Bryan's noise tests in the 60D review, the 60D appears to have slightly less ISO noise(a subtle difference, but visible),even at lower ISOs, compared to the 7D. This may represent improved technology (despite the fact that the same sensor is used), or may be consistent with Rick'sconspiracy theory - they didn't have to dumb down 60D as much as the 7D in terms of ISO performance, because they dumbed it down in other ways (e.g. no AF microadjustment


John


I am not sure what a fair test would be considering the variables. At some point you are going to have to adjust either ISO or Shutter Speed or your Flash. Perhaps a comparison where you have no flash and equal lighting, and choose the shutter and ISO that you would choose for each camera in that situation. That would give you a true read of how that camera would perform with your own personal shooting style. For instance with the set up you used I might choose a moderate ISO and longer shutter speed because you are on a tripod shooting a static object. In the back of my mind though I suppose it would still be biased, because I wouldn't let the 7D ISO ever get as high as the 5D II. Still this wouldn't truly be a fair comparison, because that is what the 5D II is meant to do, where the 7D is more action oriented.


I think regardless of the test, you are going to get similar results.





Rick