Nikon D2x focussing issues - do Canon suffer fom this?

[PaulR-UK]

Hi all

Does anybody know if the EOS 1D Mk11 or 1Ds Mk11 suffer from focus issues like the Nikon D2x?

I'm currently on my second D2x, and it is still not getting images to the quality that my D1x consistently gave - which was only 5.3MP, compared to the D2x at 12MP. I'm very, very close to the point of ditching this camera and switching to Canon.

The current story is that because the D2x has such a high resolution CCD, the minutest amount of camera shake during exposure will blur the image - even with a VR (Nikon's equivalent to Canon IS lenses) lens fitted. Does the 16MP 1Ds Mk11 suffer from this?

Should I dump Nikon and switch to Canon? I'm quickly losing confidence in this camera!!

[clicky]

Before dumping anything I'd consider a refund, repair or service. Do you get yourself a new car when it brakes down? AF will, and can't ever be 100% accurate in every situation.

[benhasajeep]

What is it like from a tripod? What shutter speeds to you shoot at (current Nikon nut that just bought a Canon 20D).

[gwelland]

Are you getting these problems from tripod shots with mirror lock up and cable release? This is the only way to determine if it's the camera or you.

If you are having problems with the D2X due to technique then you'll have an even worse experience with a 1Ds II.

[KevC]

Camera shake is dependent on FOV not the amount of pixels on the sensor. That means there's something wrong with the camera if you get bad quality from D2X images with the same shutter speed at the same focal length with D1X images (considering they are both 1.5X crop cameras).

Is there any change in your shooting? Are you moving fomr JPG to RAW? RAW is straight from the camera, where Jpegs are sharpened slightly.

[Mohawk]

1DMKII and 20D here. No known focus issues with either of my bodies using mainly "L" glass. Images are soft right out of the camera, to an untrained eye they may look "out of focus". Are you doing any post processing? At 12mp I would imagine a little USM would be needed.

And the "current story" sounds goofy regarding the ccd. I have read many a thread regarding the 1DsMKII, as I was considering buying one, and have not heard of any such issues as you describe you are having with your Nikon.

Mike

[Tom W]

Camera shake is dependent on FOV not the amount of pixels on the sensor. That means there's something wrong with the camera if you get bad quality from D2X images with the same shutter speed at the same focal length with D1X images (considering they are both 1.5X crop cameras).

That is true if the images are viewed at the same size on the screen or paper. But a 100% crop of a 12 megapixel image will show a smaller, more "enlarge" portion of the total image when compared to the 100% crop of an 8 megapixel camera with the same sensor size. So in that instance, the influences of camera shake, lens softness, and such will be multiplied in the same manner.

In other words, at a 100% crop view in photoshop, the 12 megapixel image will show more detail and more defects than will the 8 megapixel image.

Is there any change in your shooting? Are you moving fomr JPG to RAW? RAW is straight from the camera, where Jpegs are sharpened slightly.

I suspect that the Nikon pro camera, like the Canon, is designed to allow plenty of leeway for post-processing.

You really need to do a very well-controlled focus test to determine how the camera and lens are performing. You should use a tripod, remote shutter release, mirror lockup, and a good, well-lit, flat target & scale to determine focus accuracy. You need to eliminate all outside influences that can cause image problems so that all you are testing is the camera & lens.

You might even wish to compare auto focus results with manual.

[tim]

Please do this focus test, on a tripod, with mirror lock up and a cable release, then post your test shot(s).

http://www.canon-dslr.com/Canon_Jan05/Canon_SLR_Focus_Test.htm

[Mohawk]

Paul,

I was just over here: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=292

There was a post, 5th post from top, regarding your problem. The guy did all of the above tests that others have recommended in this thread. It was solved by sending the camera back to Nikon for calibration, but he still complains of softness. Might be worth checking out. I hope things get fixed for you.

A side note: The 1DsMKII is a little to much for my tastes, a 12mp Canon 1DMK"?" would be the ticket. I am sure there is one waiting in the wings, as the rumors of such a camera are out there. Hopefully Canon will make one to replace the 1Ds 11mp. We will just have to hurry up and wait.

Mike

[Hellashot]

Shouldn't you be looking at a lens problem not a camera problem?