28. Noise & Sensitivity, Continued

You can see that noise is under good control with both models, but the Canon showed a definite superiority in this area. Beyond noise as such, note that the increased sensitivity reduces the apparent sharpness of the images. All of these faults can often be partially compensated for by software processing. The reduction in quality is perceptible most of all at ISO 1600; sensitivity settings up to ISO 800 more or less provide results that are usable without restriction.

The Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca (Morocco). Nikon D70s, Nikkor DX 2.8/10.5 (fish-eye), 1/10 s f/4, ISO 1600. Very good images can be obtained despite very low light...

Concert photo (Hoba Hoba Spirit), Nikon D70s, Sigma 2.8/70-200, 125 mm, 1/125 s f/2.8, ISO 1600.

Canon 350D 18-55 at 55 mm, 1/50 s f/8, ISO 800. Macro shooting without a flash in relatively low light becomes possible!

Both models are very reactive. Startup is instantaneous - Canon corrected the annoying delay at turn-on in its preceding models - focusing is very fast, and there was no appreciable shutter lag. Unless you plan to compare these units to professional equipment capable of very high continuous-shooting rates, you won't even be bothered by your camera slowing down, and you'll always be ready to shoot. The reservations you may have had concerning preceding generations of digital cameras have become totally obsolete today.