|
I had the
opportunity, over a couple of days shooting, to get some
image comparisons between the S100fs and Nikon D40 with
the 18-55mm kit lens.
These were not
taken deliberately as comparisons, it was simply that
the D40 shooter and I were shooting the same scenes at the
same time. Hence, some angles and focal lengths are
different.
In all instances
the S100fs image has been scaled down to match the D40
output.
At the end of the
shoot, 22 images from the D40 were post processed and
printed at 8x11". They came out very nicely.
Here are some
screen grabs which show parts of the image at different
magnifications. In the images shown, the D40 is always
at left and the S100fs at right. These are straight from
the camera and are simply enlarged to show detail areas.
Overall, the D40
kit lens seems quite clear but does exhibit fringing in
some conditions. Down further are some examples of
fringing from the D40 18-55 mm kit lens. Again, these
are straight from the camera.
Added text, January 2009 :
Since first publishing this - Some have accused me of
manipulating the images and painting the D40 in a bad
light, etc. I stress again, the images shown here, are
straight from camera. The images I printed for the D40
shooter were post processed, but are not shown here.
I am
not attempting to review the two cameras, nor am I
drawing conclusions. I have already stated that the D40
kit lens seems quite clear.
You
may have your own thoughts on the comparable images, but
I would encourage you to, thoroughly, do your own
research, if you are considering a purchase of any
camera/lens.
I
always feel the best way to do this, is to look at as
many images as possible. Preferably, those that are
straight from camera.
Also, just so it is really clear. The D40 shooter was,
what I would call, a typical entry level DSLR purchaser.
She purchased the D40 upon recommendation from friends.
The
purpose of our spending time together, was she wished to
get some pointers on composition, and explore
places/environments she would normally be too timid to.
Understandably, as a foreign lady walking the
backstreets, markets and temples of a strange town, she
was nervous.
In
the end, she was thrilled with her image outcome and
wrote this to me afterwards;
"Hi Dave,
" ... I wanted to thank you again for the wonderful two
days you spent with me. A few people have seen the
prints and can not believe that I took them.
Finding a frame here is near impossible so I have not
been able to put them up yet which is quite frustrating
..."
"...Thank you
again. It was a life changing experience."
D40 images at left,
S100fs at right. |
