Probably very simple just annoying..

ELF · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Bristol

I have a 20D camera and if shooting at ISO 200 or 400 even, the noise seems particulary bad even at wide apertures, is this a 20D problem? Also the sensor seems to attract dirt amazingly quickly and easily depsite having it professionlly cleaned, is this another 20D thing. Also what are the benefits of full frame sensor to Subframe? I am about to move to a 5D are there any issues with this camera at all and what will I find moving to a full frame sensor. I seem to find bits of info about these items but nothing comprehensive. HOpe someone can help.

nkg · Posted: Sat 10 Feb, 2007 8:03 am Subject:

- Digital noise is not affected by optical issues such as lens aperture. The 20D has relatively low levels of noise for a digital camera, though obviously some will still be apparent. Especially in shadow areas or with long exposures.

- All sensors on ordinary digital SLRs can get dusty, unfortunately. Newer ones, such as the 400D and various cameras from other makers such as the new Sony, have dust reduction measures that help a bit. But the 20D has no such systems. You should probably invest in some sensor cleaning equipment.

- Full frame means a wide angle lens behaves the same way on your digital camera as it does on a 35mm film camera. That's the main difference.

It also means you will have less money in your wallet at the end of the day. Whether this is worth it is up to you. Personally, my 5D is the best camera I've ever used, and I really dislike the way my 10D turns everything into a telephoto lens. Most of the time, anyway - there are times when the 10D's apparent extra reach can be useful.

spluurfg · Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Posts: 107 Location: London

Moving to a full frame should, in theory, reduce the amount of noise. I say in theory because this is subject to the pixel count and processing engine (how agressive the noise-reduction is).

However, generally a larger sized sensor will have less noise than a smaller sensor with the same pixel count because the individual pixel sensor sites are less densely packed.

JWright · Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 44 Location: San Diego, CA, USA

Two other factors that will effect noise levels are shooting format and exposure. The 20D has exceptional noise handling qualities, even at high ISO's, but shooting in jpeg and underexposing the image will have adverse effects on the amount of noise in the image. When shooting in jpeg, the in-camera processing will process the entire image, including the noise. If the image is underexposed, the noise will be worse, and consequently the in-camera processing will effect it just that much more.