Nikon D3200 Test Shot: Dogwood with Berries (100% crop, no post processing-click for larger)

Comments welcome.

--Lannie

Although there was no traditional post processing, exposure compensation was adjusted downward in the raw (NEF) file using Nikon View NX2.

 

--Lannie

Here is the original file, resized, after exposure compensation was applied to the entire original NEF file in Nikon View NX2.

 

It is still hard for me to believe that this can be done with a $600 camera using the 18-105 lens.  Click on the file at top of page if you don't understand my astonishment.

 

--Lannie

Here is a 100% crop of the telephone pole across the street, with no post processing.

 

--Lannie

Here is the same crop with unsharp mask applied at quantity 50, radius 1, threshold 0.

 

--Lannie

For the crop you sure do get a very distinct image with a whole range of values. These test shots are instructive to idiots like myself, letting me know what's possible if you understand the instrument. Did you use a tripod here?

Thanks, Jack.  Yes, I did use a tripod.

 

I learn a lot trying  to do these tests, even though they are not particularly rigorous.

 

--Lannie

Jack, I should point out that nothing that I have seen would indicate that this is a better camera than the D7000.  Sure, the resolution is impressive in good light, but in all other respects the D7000 is the better camera--and can be expected to show comparable results with this kind of informal analysis.

 

--Lannie

Hi Lannie,

I like your effort to show what the various cameras can do in the field.

In most of my lab tests, which are well controlled and quite rigorous technically, the conclusions are rather straight forward. Most cameras will be more than adequate to meet the needs of the everyday photographer, including the professionals.

It is the specific lens matched to the camera  that best differentiate the extended capability of a system.

For example, a DSLR from 5 or 10 years past will do an excellent job imaging most scenes with a good lens. However, using a $5000 top level lens on such cameras would be throttled back significantly by the sensor technology , pixel count and electronics  making up the older camera system.

Best Regards,  Mike