leicapages Posted June 30, 2017 Share #1 Posted June 30, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have been shooting a lot of high ISO images with the Q lately and must say I am underwhelmed. I am talking about ISO 12.500 or 25.000 (I never tried 50.000). I choose those high ISO to gain some depth of field in dark situations indoors. I find the images very very grainy to be honest. I cannot really compare with other compact cameras like the Fuji X-T1 or 2 as I have not used them, but wonder how the Q really compares to other cameras. I should actually also do a little comparison test between the Q and the S 007 to see how that turns out as well. Any thoughts? Thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 30, 2017 Posted June 30, 2017 Hi leicapages, Take a look here Leica Q and high ISO capability. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Bart van Hofwegen Posted June 30, 2017 Share #2 Posted June 30, 2017 Another subject that may upset some people. A simple, proven fact is that the Q is not really a fine Dynamic Range and/or Noise performer for a full frame sensor. Many full frame cameras do much better. That said, 12.500 or above is something I would never ever use on any camera, not even my D810 which is still the unbeaten DR champion in the full frame field. 6400 is max. On the Q, use 100 or 400, maybe 800 and 1600 in emergencies. Skip 200; use 100 and push in post in that case (if you do RAW) Above 1600, it gets really grainy and nasty. But that is subjective and above that, dependent on the goal, noise may even be an intention. Some people like it, don't write them off! Getting a visible picture whatever the cost may be, noise-wise, is another goal. Underwhelmed implies a comparison IMO, what are you used to? I am quite happy with the Q in general, noise and DR is just one factor of the whole thing. Size, lens, handling... 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Msohio Posted June 30, 2017 Share #3 Posted June 30, 2017 Agree with Bart. 800 is tops for me. I have Auto ISO set at 400 which forces me to decide to go higher. I also have a D810 and a D500 as well. The Leica Q is not a contender with them for ISO limits. But neither fit into my photo vest pocket and pop out ready to Rock 'n Roll whenever I want. Different cameras for different needs....Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sulis Posted July 4, 2017 Share #4 Posted July 4, 2017 In my experience with my Q at high-isa ISOs (800+) I don't mind the noise (especially as it can have grain-like qualities) - it's the banding that I find so damaging to the image. It immediately takes you right out of the picture in a way that noise alone does not (IMHO). There are a few things you can do to slightly mitigate the effect, but not much. I also find that there is far less possibility to adjust the exposure (to lighten the image) in low-light shots, as that blasted banding will pop up again very quickly. So yes, the FF sensor is nowhere near as good for low light compared to the Nikon F or similar. But, having said that, compared to almost every single digital Leica (except the M10) it's pretty good! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charleswolford Posted July 4, 2017 Share #5 Posted July 4, 2017 I shoot concert photography sometimes at ISO 10,000 and between my M10 and Q I don't have an issue IF (and that is the important word) I am converting to black and white. Otherwise, I limit to 6,400 and it works for low lighting when you have to keep a fast shutter speed (320-500) 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgo2 Posted July 5, 2017 Share #6 Posted July 5, 2017 (edited) I find that ISO 6400 is usually acceptable, but sometimes even lower ISOs will have significant noise in deep shadows. One way to deal with serious noise issues is to use DxO Optics Pro 11 for raw conversion. The DxO Prime noise reduction engine is hugely superior to any other NR software that I have used or tested, and that includes a bunch. It has an amazing ability to produce clean images that retain detail, contrast and color. DxO also is a good raw converter, even though it is not my main one. I only fire it up for images with fairly high levels of noise. BTW, what I dislike as much as noise at high ISOs is the loss of dynamic range. Therefore, I generally try to shoot no higher than ISO 1600, but of course, there are situations when that is not possible. Edited July 5, 2017 by robgo2 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brickftl Posted July 9, 2017 Share #7 Posted July 9, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) here are 2 images. First was at ISO 2000, the other was at ISO 5000. I used Topaz De-Noise to remove just a little of the noise but not completely as I think the grain works well with the images. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yashpics Posted July 9, 2017 Share #8 Posted July 9, 2017 A couple of examples would nice so we can see what you are talking about. Besides that I experienced that a lot of people who have issues with the high iso capabilities of Q are not exposing their images right and then push them pretty hard in post which brings you the banding a lot of people talk about. Sure, the Q is definitely no high iso killer but in my opinion its still a solid performer as long as you get the exposure right! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgo2 Posted July 10, 2017 Share #9 Posted July 10, 2017 A couple of examples would nice so we can see what you are talking about. Besides that I experienced that a lot of people who have issues with the high iso capabilities of Q are not exposing their images right and then push them pretty hard in post which brings you the banding a lot of people talk about. Sure, the Q is definitely no high iso killer but in my opinion its still a solid performer as long as you get the exposure right! Of course, proper exposure is always desirable, but sometimes it just doesn't happen. That's when a low noise sensor can be extremely valuable, especially in deep shadow areas. Personally, I am quite pleased with the noise levels that I am seeing from the Q. They are better than what I get from my RX-1. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leicapages Posted July 28, 2017 Author Share #10 Posted July 28, 2017 A couple of examples would nice so we can see what you are talking about. Besides that I experienced that a lot of people who have issues with the high iso capabilities of Q are not exposing their images right and then push them pretty hard in post which brings you the banding a lot of people talk about. Sure, the Q is definitely no high iso killer but in my opinion its still a solid performer as long as you get the exposure right! I was talking about the images coming straight off the camera, not after they have they been pushed in a program. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leicapages Posted July 29, 2017 Author Share #11 Posted July 29, 2017 Attaching some examples at ISO 25000, as they come off the Q. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/273965-leica-q-and-high-iso-capability/?do=findComment&comment=3325687'>More sharing options...
leicapages Posted July 29, 2017 Author Share #12 Posted July 29, 2017 Another one at ISO 25000 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/273965-leica-q-and-high-iso-capability/?do=findComment&comment=3325691'>More sharing options...
leicapages Posted July 29, 2017 Author Share #13 Posted July 29, 2017 This one at ISO 50000 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/273965-leica-q-and-high-iso-capability/?do=findComment&comment=3325693'>More sharing options...
leicapages Posted July 29, 2017 Author Share #14 Posted July 29, 2017 Another one at ISO 50000 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/273965-leica-q-and-high-iso-capability/?do=findComment&comment=3325697'>More sharing options...
paulsydaus Posted July 30, 2017 Share #15 Posted July 30, 2017 I find that ISO 6400 is usually acceptable, but sometimes even lower ISOs will have significant noise in deep shadows. One way to deal with serious noise issues is to use DxO Optics Pro 11 for raw conversion. The DxO Prime noise reduction engine is hugely superior to any other NR software that I have used or tested, and that includes a bunch. It has an amazing ability to produce clean images that retain detail, contrast and color. DxO also is a good raw converter, even though it is not my main one. I only fire it up for images with fairly high levels of noise. BTW, what I dislike as much as noise at high ISOs is the loss of dynamic range. Therefore, I generally try to shoot no higher than ISO 1600, but of course, there are situations when that is not possible. Interesting. Last time I tested DxO at version 10 it was very poor, nowhere near C1P in the area you describe. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonewall Brigade Posted August 1, 2017 Share #16 Posted August 1, 2017 I am also disappointed with my Q's Auto ISO results, usually made at my son's home for a birthday party, etc. , with a mix of incandescent light bulbs and window lighting. The images are poor at high ISO. Mostly very grainy. Instead, I find my Fuji X100F gives me much better results when it is set to Auto ISO. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Ryan Posted August 6, 2017 Share #17 Posted August 6, 2017 (edited) Another one at ISO 25000 I don't have the Q. Only film Leicas. However I use the D810 extensively for theatre work. Usually the auto-ISO is limited to 6400. If desperate, I will let it go to 8000. These shots with the Q at 25000 are exceptional. I'm amazed. The right exposure for the situation is usually the answer. Perhaps Leicapages could elaborate on that? Edited August 6, 2017 by Dan Ryan Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cambyses Posted August 7, 2017 Share #18 Posted August 7, 2017 I received my Q last week, and on Saturday took some shots at a bowling place under very bad and mixed lighting. Having come from Nikon pro bodies, I can say that I am pleased with how this little camera seems to perform at high ISO. ISO 12500, f/1.7, 1/500 sec, basic adjustments done in LR and a bit of noise reduction w/ Neat Image Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/273965-leica-q-and-high-iso-capability/?do=findComment&comment=3332327'>More sharing options...
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