How does the Canon 5D compare to Rebel T3i/T4i/T5i/T6i in low-light noise?
Asked 3/15/2017
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I’m considering a Canon 5D Classic as a low-cost full-frame option and want to know how its low-light noise compares with Rebel APS-C bodies like the T3i, T4i, T5i, and T6i. I currently use a T2i/T3i-class camera and usually downsize images for online use, so 12MP is enough for me. Is the 5D noticeably cleaner in indoor or outdoor low-light shooting, or is the difference small in real-world use?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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This comparison at The-Digital-Picture between the 5D at ISO 3200 and the Rebel T5i/700D at ISO 1600 looks fairly even, especially if one considers the difference in scale. (I chose the T5i because the T6i samples are even larger.)
The 5D and 5D Mark II look very close at the same ISO 3200 and so any comparisons you might find between the more recent Rebels/xx0D series and the 5D Mark II should be fairly helpful.
Things you should also consider:
- ISO 1600 is the maximum on sensor ISO amplification setting for the 5D. The "H" setting is equivalent to ISO 3200 by doubling the values obtained from the sensor amplified at ISO 1600. That's as far as ISO goes with the 5D.
- The 5D's AF system is 9 points (plus six invisible assist points for the center point when in AI Servo AF mode - again, the 5D mark II is very similar). The AF systems of the T3i/T4i are similar, but the more recent Rebels' AF systems are an upgrade.
- The 5D has no Live View or video capability. None. Zilch. Nada.
- The 5D has no built-in automatic sensor cleaning. Plan on cleaning it much more often with a physical method such as a wet swab.
- Used 5D Mark II bodies are also getting pretty cheap. The increased ISO options, self cleaning, and Live View/video capability might be worth the difference.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on the comparisons mentioned, the 5D Classic appears to have a modest low-light advantage over the Rebel Txi APS-C bodies, but not a dramatic one.
One cited comparison showed the 5D at ISO 3200 looking roughly comparable to a T5i at ISO 1600, suggesting about a small-to-moderate benefit for the 5D. Another answer referenced DxO data showing the 5D Mark II about one stop ahead of the T6i, with the note that the original 5D is somewhat behind the 5D Mark II—so the 5D Classic likely still edges out the Rebels, but not by a full stop in practice.
So if your priority is cleaner low-light files and you downsize for web use, the 5D can help a bit. But expect a marginal improvement rather than a night-and-day jump.
Also keep in mind the tradeoffs: the 5D Classic tops out at ISO 1600 natively (with an expanded ISO 3200 setting), and its autofocus system is older and more limited than newer Rebels. If low-light image quality matters more than AF features, it can still be a worthwhile choice.
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