My transition to digital: Nikon D700 vs Canon 5DMark II vs Sony Alpha 900

Last year, I finally decided to buy a digital camera "new generation". Back to this anniversary date.

The Canon 5DMark II was my choice although I was first  a nikonist with a film 24x36  Nikon F3. The transition to the digital age has not been easy as I was working primarily in medium format (Mamiya), the quality image of the first digital cameras never convinced me if not often disappointed.

My first concern was to find a device that can compete with medium format film, both in feeling of use and in terms of pure image quality.

  •      A full-format sensor

  •      A budget of around 3000 euros


The range pro Nikon D3 / Canon 1Ds (which is an ASP-H) was too advanced for my needs.

 

The dilemma was the choice between the Nikon D700 vs Canon 5DMark II vs Sony Alpha 900

To decide objectively about the sensor quality, I visited the site DxOMark and used the comparator.

Ratings (Overall Score) are substantially equal to 3 devices.

DxOMark: Nikon D700 vs Canon 5DMark II vs Sony Alpha 900

 

First criterion: the resolution

The Nikon D700 was not chosen for its low resolution compared to its competitors. It is a perfect camera for press photos. For fine art prints at 300 dpi on A3 format size, its resolution is too low.

 

Second important criterion: noise

The measurements show that the Canon 5DMarkII is higher than the Sony Alpha in all key metrics for optimum image quality

     SNR 18%, Dynamic Range, Tonal Range,  Color Sensitivity

Here are the graphs of measures


dxomark_color_sensitivitydxomark_dyndxomark_snrdxomark_tonal_range

So my choice was made at the technical level.

 

Marketing argument or real need: the video

Another major argument in favor of Canon 5DMark II but not photographic but cinematographic! We can say that Canon has created a video camera used by many audiovisual production for the "cinema" look of  its video recording.

 

Buying decision

So I opted for the 5DMark II while regretting the Nikon D700 for its lower resolution.

 

Comments after a year of use

  •      Pros - Image Quality. Main criterion for me. I’m reconciled with digital.

  •      Cons - The main complaint is the auto-focus system which I consider unreliable for moving subjects in low light like for shows and dance. For still subjects it is not a concern.

  •      Video - I'll talk about this new trend in another text.

 

Conclusion

I dream sometimes with a Canon 5DMarkII with more reliable autofocus for actions and low-light, perhaps will it become true with the Canon 5DMarkIII?