Is there anyone in the house who can measure DR of recent MF and Canon offerings and state what the differences are in terms of usable DR?
I compiled a bunch of data, see
in Excel formHowever, the data re the 5D2 is very few and *very* unreliable; I did not have raw images suitable for accurate measurement. Unfortunately, the raw files provided by Imaging Resources are not really suitable either. The D3 data is based on Stouffer wedge shots, which offers the highest degree or reliability possible on this level (i.e. without special equipment).
What I can say re the 5D2 is, that the DR (maximal @ ISO 50 and 100) is about 1/3 lower than that of the D3 (maximal @ ISO 100 and 200); the difference vanishes with higher ISOs, @ 1600 I don't see any difference.
I can only
compare the dynamic ranges; I don't give any absolute number, for that is the question of acceptance (how much noise one accepts). Typically, one accepts much more noise in low light situation than in ideal illumination.
I am waiting for the arrival of a Stouffer wedge myself, and then I will try to find a willing 5D2 owner (and others) in my area to make shots targeted towards noise/DR measurement.
Then I will update the Excel chart.