XTI / 400D ISO 3200 (hack) vs. 40D ISO 3200 - Sample Pictures

[BenJohnson]

Thanks to CHDK and this thread on POTN:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=742806

I have never done this type of "hack" before, but it took me all of 3 minutes and worked
perfectly the first time I tried it. Spot metering is a very nice addition, and YES it does
work as it should (metered exposure differs from other metering settings).

A while ago I did "push" the ISO on the XTI up to 3200 (and even 6400), in post
processing (Photoshop curves adjustment). I thought the results were pretty good for
the XTI, but now that the option is available in-camera (push processed, just like the "H"
or 3200 setting on the 40D), I thought it would be worthwhile to compare the two
cameras. Here is the XTI pushed ISO thread:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=668129

The following shots were taken with the self timer, but the aim was off slightly when I
switched bodies. When I took the 100% crops I attempted to crop to the same area.
The shots were taken with the 17-55 2.8 IS stopped down to f/5.6 and set to the 17mm
focal length. ISO 800, 1600, and 3200 settings were used with corresponding shutter
speeds of 1/25 sec, 1/50 sec, and 1/100 sec.

First are the full images, resized for web. At this size very little noise is noticeable.
Original size images can be viewed at this link, and 100% crops will be in the post
following this one. Also at the SmugMug link you can hover over the image and click on
the "i" logo to view the EXIF data.

http://benjohnson.smugmug.com/Other/.../9497045_7ZZSH

XTI, ISO 800


40D, ISO 800


XTI, ISO 1600


40D, ISO 1600


XTI, ISO 3200


40D, ISO 3200

[BenJohnson]

Here are the 100% crops of the center of the image:

XTI, ISO 800


40D, ISO 800


XTI, ISO 1600


40D, ISO 1600


XTI, ISO 3200


40D, ISO 3200

[prinspaul]

well thanks for the examples! great stuff..

I think they are par...at first sight for sure

[kay188]

From the last ISO 3200 crop comparison, it looks like the XTi is able to resolve more detail than the 40D.
Same thing with ISO 800 and 1600, it looks like the XTI > 40D.

I'm starting to be very impressed with ISO 3200 on the XTi.

Just a question.
Did you turn noise reduction off IN camera?
I know it makes a difference.

How about the picture styles, and the sharpness?
Was it set to standard or custom values?

Those factors affect how you compare high ISO's from the XTi and 40D.

[BenJohnson]

Originally Posted by kay188

Did you turn noise reduction off IN camera?
I know it makes a difference.

How about the picture styles, and the sharpness?
Was it set to standard or custom values?

Noise reduction off (and none in post processing).
Default picture styles and sharpness values.

[kay188]

Originally Posted by BenJohnson

Noise reduction off (and none in post processing).
Default picture styles and sharpness values.

If that's the case then i'm being very impressed with the IQ from the XTi.
I knew it was a great camera and all, and from reading the XTi lovers thread, but having the guys at CHDK create this hack shows even more potential from the XTi.

Still want a 40D however.
I just want more performance.. and a bigger camera.
I like big things.

[darosk]

IMHO the difference is too slight to be an issue.
Only reason I'd get a Rebel over a xxD is if I was super broke.

[Mike Deep]

Interesting test, Ben. I can't say I'm surprised, they're neck and neck. Just like the original Rebel hack, it underscores how silly it is that Canon locks things out in software when the hardware supports it.

[BenJohnson]

I don't have any issues with the IQ of photos coming out of my XTI. The only reason the 40D is favored is AF, burst speed and overall handling (the wheel is sooo much better). When making this thread I was not out to prove one camera being superior to the other. I Think they are a wash. And I agree that it is silly for Canon to lock out these features!


Here's a couple more samples shot at ISO3200 on the XTI. Standard JPG, no Post Processing, just resized for web:





Definitely a lot of noticeable grain even when properly exposed, but I think they are still usable for web viewing and small prints (and when a grainy shot is better than no shot at all!).

[DStanic]

Can't believe I didn't stumble upon this thread earlier!

Cant' wait to get this working and compare it to my 30D. i already know that there will be minimal difference, since I shoot both at ISO1600 alot and the performance is almost identical. ISO3200 on the 30D is good if shot in RAW and then converted, out of the camera JPG is pretty poor. Maybe the XTi will be better for jpg? Hmm.

this is really great hack cause I am currently using the XTi as a second camera for weddings and such ISO3200 might come in handy!

[reng2009]

Originally Posted by kay188

Just a question.
Did you turn noise reduction off IN camera?

How do you turn off noise reduction in the 40D? I'm only aware of the custom function for "High ISO Speed Noise Reduction."

[friz]

Nice! can't wait for a hack for the XSi

[Ry-Guy]

Originally Posted by friz

Nice! can't wait for a hack for the XSi

+1 I'm thinking about getting into underwater photography and would love to have some higher ISO options. Any word on if they're developing this for the XSi body?

[BenJohnson]

Based on past history I would guess it will be about a year.

[Lazuka]

Originally Posted by BenJohnson

I don't have any issues with the IQ of photos coming out of my XTI. The only reason the 40D is favored is AF, burst speed and overall handling (the wheel is sooo much better). When making this thread I was not out to prove one camera being superior to the other. I Think they are a wash. And I agree that it is silly for Canon to lock out these features!


Here's a couple more samples shot at ISO3200 on the XTI. Standard JPG, no Post Processing, just resized for web:





Definitely a lot of noticeable grain even when properly exposed, but I think they are still usable for web viewing and small prints (and when a grainy shot is better than no shot at all!).

for a rebel series, that's an amazingly clean 3200, no PP done to it?