An in-depth case study of the use of DxOMark data

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

News
Introduction | Performance overview | RAW noise analysis | Color blindness & sensor quality | Dynamic range and noise source | Conclusion

The Nikon D5000 sensor obtains exceptional results for low ISO settings and outperforms the Canon EOS 500D sensor in dynamic range and color depth. When ISO increases, however, the differences become smaller, but the Nikon D5000 still maintains a slight advantage.

This said, the Canon EOS 500D sensor is nevertheless an exceptional sensor with a very small pixel pitch and very low RAW noise. Two main weaknesses explain the difference between its score and that of the Nikon:

  • The slightly higher readout noise, visible for low ISO settings
  • The larger overlap of color responses

We should keep in mind, too, that the sensor launched by Canon presents more technical challenges than a classic 5.5µm pixel pitch sensor, and in principle should provide slightly higher resolution. Of course, this DxOMark review evaluates only RAW sensor performance and should be considered only in tandem with other more global reviews when choosing a digital camera. While DxOMark does take resolution into account for normalization, users should be aware about the minimum resolution they need before comparing any camera.

Disclaimer: This DxOMark article evaluates only the selected camera’s RAW sensor performance metrics (i.e., Color Depth, Dynamic Range, and Low-Light ISO), and should not be construed as a review of the camera’s overall performance, as it does not address such other important criteria as image signal processing, mechanical robustness, ease of use, flexibility, optics, value for money, etc. While RAW sensor performance is critically important, it is not the only factor that should be taken into consideration when choosing a digital camera.

References

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Further readings for the An in-depth case study of the use of DxOMark data

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

Camera Review  |  January 31, 2012
DxOMark - Canon PowerShot G1X

With 15 MPix on a 14.0 mm x 18.7 mm sensor in an $800 bridge camera intended for the general public, the appearance of the Canon PowerShot G1X was one of the big events at CES 2012.
News  |  February 17, 2010
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV vs Nikon D3s

Nikon and Canon launched their new top-of-the-line cameras for news and sports photography at the end of 2009. The Nikon D3s replaced the NikonD3, and the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV replaces the Canon EOS 1D Mark III.
On the one hand, the Nikon D3s’s sensor specifications remain very close to those of the Nikon D3; on the other hand, Canon replaced the Mark III’s 10 Mpix sensor with a new 15.9 Mpix sensor with the same sensor surface.
Review  |  June 10, 2009

New data for the Canon 500D and the Nikon D5000

Read the DxOMark reviews for these new models and a comparison Insight