erl Posted September 23, 2009 Share #1 Posted September 23, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Following is my comparison of M8 and M9 at various iso settings. The same lens was used, a noctilux set at f1.0, on both cameras. An IR cut filter was used only for the M8. Exposure was set at 'A' on both cameras. I chose a high contrast motif to 'tax' the set up. I was attempting to simulate real world scenario as I would frequently use the cameras. No attempt has been made to 'match' the angle of view as I would not do this in the real world. I let each camera use the lens as it is attached in normal shooting. I don't know what inconsistencies I have generated with this method but it simulates how I shoot, not how tests are done. I have matched iso for iso on each camera starting at 160 and progressing to 2500. I suspect I will have to spread the images over several posts so lets hope I don't make too much of a mess. Each image is labeled with the camera used and the relevant iso. No corrections or adjustments of any kind have been performed on the images other than scaled down for posting requirements. If anyone is interested in the DNG's for examination I will make them available. Processing of files from DNG to jpeg was done in C1 using the generic M9 profile. Normally, I would use Jamie Robert's M8 profile as I find it marginally superior to the M9 profile at present. 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! 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/97831-m8-versus-m9-different-iso-160-2500/?do=findComment&comment=1047303'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 23, 2009 Posted September 23, 2009 Hi erl, Take a look here M8 versus M9 @ different iso 160 - 2500. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
erl Posted September 23, 2009 Author Share #2 Posted September 23, 2009 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! 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/97831-m8-versus-m9-different-iso-160-2500/?do=findComment&comment=1047306'>More sharing options...
erl Posted September 23, 2009 Author Share #3 Posted September 23, 2009 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! 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/97831-m8-versus-m9-different-iso-160-2500/?do=findComment&comment=1047313'>More sharing options...
Overgaard Posted September 23, 2009 Share #4 Posted September 23, 2009 Interesting, the ISO has definitely moved. I would guess my personal limit would be 1600 ISO, which is much more than any color film ever allowed, and equals what the Kodak Tri-X was used at (though a 3200 ISO film). By the way, I love the look of the subject. She's definitely thinking something "Oh year well, as long as it keeps him off the street corners" Thanks for the test. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted September 23, 2009 Share #5 Posted September 23, 2009 It is intersting to note that the M9 not only is less noisy, it seems to hold detail better as well, making the file a more suitable candidate for Noise Ninja. For everyday use the improvement at 640 is the most interesting, and that looks like the biggest gain of the series. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted September 23, 2009 Author Share #6 Posted September 23, 2009 snipped By the way, I love the look of the subject. She's definitely thinking something "Oh year well, as long as it keeps him off the street corners" Thanks for the test. Sometimes I think she would prefer I were on street corners, bothering someone else with my camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overgaard Posted September 23, 2009 Share #7 Posted September 23, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Considering all the interest beautiful young ladies seem to pay in a M camera worn by gentlemen like us, hanging out on street corners might not be such a bad idea, no Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delander † Posted September 23, 2009 Share #8 Posted September 23, 2009 I dont wish to start a row but surely it is a meaningless test, and I dont believe this is the way you would shoot. Having composed your M8 photo and been happy with it you would surely make the same composition with the M9 either by changing lenses or position. Show us the centre 10 Mp from the M9 at the same size as the M8 image. Or move position so that the 18mp of the M9 occupy the same frame as the 10 Mp of the M8. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonoslack Posted September 23, 2009 Share #9 Posted September 23, 2009 I dont wish to start a row but surely it is a meaningless test, and I dont believe this is the way you would shoot. Having composed your M8 photo and been happy with it you would surely make the same composition with the M9 either by changing lenses or position. Show us the centre 10 Mp from the M9 at the same size as the M8 image. Or move position so that the 18mp of the M9 occupy the same frame as the 10 Mp of the M8. Jeff Or change lenses so that you get the same field of view? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ulrikft Posted September 23, 2009 Share #10 Posted September 23, 2009 I dont wish to start a row but surely it is a meaningless test, and I dont believe this is the way you would shoot. Having composed your M8 photo and been happy with it you would surely make the same composition with the M9 either by changing lenses or position. Show us the centre 10 Mp from the M9 at the same size as the M8 image. Or move position so that the 18mp of the M9 occupy the same frame as the 10 Mp of the M8. Jeff I have to support Jeff here, you would not compose wider on a M9 to allow for crop, if you were doing natural real world photography. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptomsu Posted September 23, 2009 Share #11 Posted September 23, 2009 For me a great test, just do not listen to all these complaints! Everybody can show to do it better in their own thread ..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delander † Posted September 23, 2009 Share #12 Posted September 23, 2009 Well I dont have an M9 so I cant show it in my own thread. That being said I think that my point is valid. And as I am on a waiting list for an M9 I'm not interested in running down the camera, but I am interested to know if it really does have a better high iso performance. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschone Posted September 23, 2009 Share #13 Posted September 23, 2009 What I see as the most interesting part of this this test is the angle of view. On the m9 a 50 finally is a 50 again (in 35mm terms) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonoslack Posted September 23, 2009 Share #14 Posted September 23, 2009 For me a great test, just do not listen to all these complaints! Everybody can show to do it better in their own thread ..... Hi Peter I quite agree - there are so many different ways to do tests, and they're all wrong (oops, I meant right) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoppyman Posted September 23, 2009 Share #15 Posted September 23, 2009 Sometimes I think she would prefer I were on street corners, bothering someone else with my camera. Of course hanging out on street corners can be hazardous too........ 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! 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/97831-m8-versus-m9-different-iso-160-2500/?do=findComment&comment=1048057'>More sharing options...
ulrikft Posted September 23, 2009 Share #16 Posted September 23, 2009 For me a great test, just do not listen to all these complaints! Everybody can show to do it better in their own thread ..... I think I already did actually. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravastar Posted September 23, 2009 Share #17 Posted September 23, 2009 Erl if your M8 is still under warranty and you use ISO 2500 a lot you might want to ask Leica to have a look at your camera. You can see that the left and right hand halves of the image are slightly different density (look for the join in the middle on the wall). That's because the left and right hand sides of the sensor are read out independently. A slight adjustment may be needed. Bob. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted September 23, 2009 Author Share #18 Posted September 23, 2009 Well I dont have an M9 so I cant show it in my own thread. That being said I think that my point is valid. And as I am on a waiting list for an M9 I'm not interested in running down the camera, but I am interested to know if it really does have a better high iso performance. Jeff Jeff, maybe I did not explain myself clearly. My point of the test was to satisfy myself of any image quality differences that I was expecting to exist. I had no interest in image composition, but rather image quality. To that end, I am satisfied, based on this test, that the M9 does exhibit the boasted improvements we are all expecting. By examining the image quality I have displayed I would have thought, despite internet repro and my sloppy testing, you could easily determine that which interests you. All that said, you are still free to disagree and I have no issue with that. As a matter of interest, I also did a colour comparison test between the M8 and M9. I did use different lenses, to obtain a 'near match' of FOV on each camera, then repeated with the same lens and moving my feet as appropriate the cover the area. My findings were noted that the M9 seems a little 'cooler', or conversely the M8 a little 'warmer.' The lens wore a UV/IR cut filter when on the M8 even though the test was conducted in full sunlight. I do know that some colours reproduce differently with and without the IR filter, even under daylight. This could possibly explain some of the differences in colour rendition by the two cameras. I won't publish the images because my techniques of testing are probably open to question but I am satisfied with the findings to go on confidently knowing what to expect from the respective cameras. Summary: Both cameras are exceptional performers with the M9 having and edge over the M8 that some will appreciate and maybe exploit. For me there are two key features that I will value. 1. The improved high iso because I do a lot of low light and theatre work. 2. The restored FF that gives my wide angles lenses a renewed life. Other changes and improvements I appreciate but I will leave dedicated reviewers to elaborate on them. I have satisfied myself as to the virtues of upgrading to M9. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted September 23, 2009 Author Share #19 Posted September 23, 2009 Of course hanging out on street corners can be hazardous too........[ATTACH]163844[/ATTACH] Geoff, I just knew this would be used against me sometime! It was only a question of when? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
topaz Posted September 24, 2009 Share #20 Posted September 24, 2009 Considering all the interest beautiful young ladies seem to pay in a M camera worn by gentlemen like us, hanging out on street corners might not be such a bad idea, no Would beautiful young ladies be more interested in a gentleman wearing an M9 versus an M8? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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