We had a good time with both cameras during our
photo trip. Here are some of the pros and cons for both cameras. The
pros and cons are in most cases not really big issues as we are working
here with cameras that define the state-of-the-art for DSLRs. For a
more complete list of features please read here.
Canon EOS 5D
Canon EOS 5D at 75mm (1/500 sec, f/10, ISO 500, IS), FOV 75mm
Pros
- Lowest cost FF camera and over 12MP at US$ 3,300
- ISO noise behaviour some of the best of all current DSLRs
- Very good autofocus system (even at low contrast)
- Large viewfinder view (although you have to get close with your
eyes to have the full image overview)
- Low shutter noise
- Weight of the body is about 900g with battery
Cons
- LCD hard to read outdoors with some sunlight
- Mirror Lockup no fun in the field (deap down in some menus)
- Frame rate at 3fps not good enough in some situations
- Histogram not at the same time RGB and Luminosity
- No vertical shutter release without extra grip
- Battery last for about 300 photos
Minor issues
- The lenshood for the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS has a bad fit
Nikon D2x
Zebras
near Hearst Castle (softness created by the fog)
Nikon D2x at 300mm (1/320 sec, f/7.1, ISO 320), FOV 450mm
Pros
- Pro body design
- Excellent battery life (about 1000 or pictures on one battery)
- Good viewfinder (although not as large of a view than the 5D)
- LCD better to read than 5D (includes RGB and RGB histograms at
the same time)
- We like the 1.5x multiplier (for longer tele range and also some
advantages in terms of DOF)
- Good 5fps at 12MP and excellent 8fps in High-Speed crop mode
- Most universal high end DSLR (high frame rate and high resolution)
Cons
- Price about US$ 4,999
- ISO noise behaviour good but not at the same level as the EOS 5D
- AF hunts on low contrast edges
- No 300mm f/4 VR lens available
- Quite loud shutter noise (probably as a result of being able to
get up to 8fps)
Open Questions
- What about dynamic range? Most likely the 5D has more dynamic range
than the D2x. This can show in darker shadows or easier blown highlights
with the D2x. In the end we like what we got from both cameras.
- Does the D2x show higher inter-pixel contrast? Seems so but this
also depends on the RAW converter used. Also the D2x seems to have
a weaker AA filter which produces better contrast but may also show
more easily moires.
You may ask whether we also plan a dual system setup in the future.
Maybe :-).
More Pictures (mostly from this trip)
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