Noise Test: Canon 40D vs Canon 5D

Thanks to Reza Raquib for doing this informal test comparing the output from the EOS 40D against the 5D involving shots of an high contrast outdoor scene in bright daylight, taken at ISO 100 to ISO 3200. As such, there’s a great range of tones from dark shadows to highlights to study the noise characteristics of both cameras.

The RAW files were processed in DPP (Digital Photo Professional) with identical settings and sharpening set at 3.

In order to get similar FOV (field of view) from both cameras, the following prime lenses were used:
• Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM on the 40D
• Canon EF 135mm f/2.0L USM on the 5D

It’s a pity that the pictures in the comparison gallery are not labeled, so you will first have to click on a thumbnail, then float your cursor over the photo (this brings up a slide-in menu) and then click on info to determine whether it was the 40D or 5D that took the picture, and the corresponding EXIF data. You also have the option of viewing the photo at original size from that same menu.

Alternatively, select the Critique style from the drop-down menu on the top right of the Smugmug gallery. This shows you the EXIF data next to a single picture - all you need to do then is click on Prev or Next links to view the previous or next photo. You’ll also see links to different sizes of the photo.

For convenience, here are direct links to the more interesting photos from the set:
ISO 100: 40D, 5D
ISO 1600: 40D, 5D
ISO 3200: 40D, 5D

Don’t forget to bring up the slide-in menu and click on Original under Photo Sizes.

Related resources:
• Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM (UK)
• Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM lens options (UK)

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Tags: Canon 40D, canon 5d, Canon EF 135mm f/2L, Canon EF 85mm f/1.8