tonycarlson

Ok, I finally got around to doing my experiment. However, I don't think it's necessary to post example pictures. First, I waited until I could duplicate (as best I could) the low light environment as in the original photo that caused frustration. I need to be clear - low light as near sunset not shade during the day when ambient light is greater. After reading the above advice here is what I did: with my kit lens and copying the original settings at f4, 18mm, AV mode and hand held, I started at ISO 400, then 800, then 1600, then 3200, then 6400. At 3200 & 6400 I also did exposure compensation (EV) at 0, +.33, +.67, +1. Results: at ISO 400, 800, & 1600 the photos were fine. What I noticed at ISO 3200 & 6400 when EV was 0 the fine detail (at 100%) had an increasing watercolor look (lost detail). As I increased EV there became more detail and sharper. The image that led me to my original post was at ISO 3200 with EV at 0, which I believe led me to make the mistake of over sharpening to bring out more detail. This in turn led to greater noise (even white spots) nor did it really get sharper because the detail was never there to begin with. In fact all the sharpening efforts seem to be canceled as I added noise reduction. Here's what I have learned from all the advice and my experiment: when above ISO 1600 if I increase EV I'll get less noise and a little more detail that won't require a lot of sharpening. For other readers it is important to note that as you increase ISO you, in turn, can use faster shutter speeds. However, as you increase EV shutter speeds decrease (which may be counter what you are trying to achieve). Having said this I noticed that, in my experiment, at ISO 3200 EV 0, shutter speed was 1/100. At ISO 6400 EV +1, shutter speed was also 1/100, but brighter. And the detail in both was the same. Here's what I've come to accept: in low light, if I'm not concerned about shutter speed I can use a tripod and low ISO for long exposure and get good images . But in the same low light, if needing a fast shutter, I can increase ISO; however, in reality the 7D is not up to collecting detail at high ISO in these conditions.

Yes Robert, I'm still following. After reading all your responses I am going to try an experiment and hopefully post some comparisons (straight out of the camera). I'll be using my 7D and 18-55 kit lens. On a side note I have done some long exposures using a tripod at ISO 100-200 and my kit lens and have gotten great pictures, but if I find myself doing pictures on the move and have to bump up the ISO to get a faster shutter speed end of story. Hopefully, I'll have some results for you guys soon. Tony

Thanks everyone. Here's some thoughts for me to consider after reading your helpful replies: 1. I am going to try and remember to use exposure compensation (this is one tool I always forget about - shame on me) 2. I may be over sharpening, so I will experiment with that 3. It may be the lens. I notice it most when I use my 18-55 kit lens. My favorite lens is the 100mm Macro and I don't notice it as much. Tony

I seem to be experiencing a lot of noise from ISO 800 and up. I have had the camera a little more than 2 years with no real problems until recently. Any suggestions? Could it be: 1. Firmware issue? (haven't updated, Canon's instructions are confusing, but would doing so fix it?) 2. Damaged sensor? 3. Normal? (I know noise comes with high ISO but certainly not this bad) Thanks