Micro Four Thirds high ISO noise compared - G1, E-P2, E-P3

Four Thirds User (Fourthirds-user.com) is a sibling site to the e-group.

Olympus have told me the LiveMOS sensor in the new Pens announced last week is new and delivers improved high ISO performance and dynamic range. We compare the new E-P3 with some earlier Micro Four Thirds cameras in an attempt to verify Olympus' claims.

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[Ian]

I'm really interested to know what you make of this exercise - compare the different ISO shots from the E-P3 with the E-P2 and G1 reference ISO 3200 shots. You can do it like this:



Looking forward to your opinions!

Ian

[Bikie John]

I would like a closer look (including tasting) at the subject.

John

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Bikie John

I would like a closer look (including tasting) at the subject.

John

Hehe, I'm sure you would! Actually these are pretty inexpensive plonks!

Ian

[Zuiko]

I spent some time comparing these results and to me it looks like the E-P3 has pretty much a full stop advantage over the E-P2, ISO 6400 looking like ISO 3200 does on the older model.

I thought the E-P3 was fractionally better at ISO 8000 than the G-1 at ISO 3200, but fractionally worse at ISO 10000. However, from around 6400 I suppose you could say the E-P3 was "less bad" than the others, rather than "better."

What really, really impresses me is just how clean and sharp the E-P3 is at 3200, a vast improvement over the others. It looks like 3200 is now as usable as any other ISO, not "with care" like we've said before with Olympus cameras. That caveat can now be reserved for 6400. In all honesty I think we can forget 12800, but maybe next time!

Imagine the E-P3 with 12mm prime in a dimly lit bar or street scene at night, ISO 3200, 1/15th sec @ f2, knowing IS will keep it sharp at that speed but praying your subject doesn't move until you've released the shutter. One shot, sure you've nailed it, take another while there's still a chance, just in case...whoops he moved. Never mind, sure you got it on the first take. Reveiw the pictures at home, yes first shot nice and sharp but second shot pure serendipity, movement of subject captured beautifully but still sharp enough where it matters. Result!

Ooops, sorry, got a little carried away there, but you can see how much I like the E-P3!

[OlyPaul]

Interesting comparison. But a first generation camera against a third generation one seems a little unfair.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by OlyPaul

Interesting comparison. But a first generation camera against a third generation one seems a little unfair.

Unfortunately, the basic sensor in the G1 is the same as the E-P2 and E-P3. But it's a testament to the E-P3's TruePic VI processor that the JPEGs are that good.

Ian