Nikon D40 vs. D80 image quality?

Volker Hetzer wrote:
Hi!
I just read about the new D40.
If I'm correct it has a 6.1MP sensor of the same size as the 10.2MP
sensor of the D80.
Are the already any comparisons with regards to dynamic range and
high ISO noise?

It's the same sensor as in the D70s and D50, the D40 camera is dumbed down.

"Not Disclosed" wrote in message
. com...
Volker Hetzer wrote:
Hi!
I just read about the new D40.
If I'm correct it has a 6.1MP sensor of the same size as the 10.2MP
sensor of the D80.
Are the already any comparisons with regards to dynamic range and
high ISO noise?

It's the same sensor as in the D70s and D50, the D40 camera is
dumbed down.


Not quite.

The D50 and D70/s use exclusively different sensors with different
noise and resolution characteristics, but both made by Sony. The D50
sensor has lower high ISO noise and more sharpening added to default
JPG settings, while the D70/s has sharper images (in RAW) at low ISO
settings, but more noise higher up the ladder.

The D40 has a 6mp sensor too, but since the posted specifications are
slightly different from the other two, we're not 100% certain if it's
the same as either model. It's probably the same as the D50, perhaps
improved for production dies, but we can't be sure without
confirmation from Nikon. I've yet to see any definitive statements
either way.

In article ,
"Bill" wrote:

"Not Disclosed" wrote in message
. com...
Volker Hetzer wrote:
Hi!
I just read about the new D40.
If I'm correct it has a 6.1MP sensor of the same size as the 10.2MP
sensor of the D80.
Are the already any comparisons with regards to dynamic range and
high ISO noise?

It's the same sensor as in the D70s and D50, the D40 camera is
dumbed down.


Not quite.

The D50 and D70/s use exclusively different sensors with different
noise and resolution characteristics, but both made by Sony. The D50
sensor has lower high ISO noise and more sharpening added to default
JPG settings, while the D70/s has sharper images (in RAW) at low ISO
settings, but more noise higher up the ladder.

The D40 has a 6mp sensor too, but since the posted specifications are
slightly different from the other two, we're not 100% certain if it's
the same as either model. It's probably the same as the D50, perhaps
improved for production dies, but we can't be sure without
confirmation from Nikon. I've yet to see any definitive statements
either way.

The camera reviews say the same thing. Nikon does not provide much info
on their sensors.

I am using a D50 and am happy I got it rather than wait for the D40. I
am amazed at how much I look at that top control panel after never
having one on my P&S's. It is also easier to read in bright light and
uses little power. The D50 is a great little camera and will use all of
Nikon's lenses rather than just the stripped down models.

--
There are two ways to spell Ockham/Occam. Britannica prefers the former.

"Ockham's Razor" wrote in message
...

I am using a D50 and am happy I got it rather than wait for the D40.
I
am amazed at how much I look at that top control panel after never
having one on my P&S's. It is also easier to read in bright light
and
uses little power.

The Canon XT has a small display on the back, and the XTi and D40 uses
the large display for info, while my D80 has a top panel. After having
used all three types, I definitely prefer the top info panel too.

The D50 is a great little camera and will use all of
Nikon's lenses rather than just the stripped down models.

The D40 can only autofocus with the AF-S lenses that have a focus
motor built-in, but that doesn't mean they're all stripped down
models. In fact, most AF-S lenses are higher quality and some
excellent glass is found with AF-S (same applies to Canons ring USM).
My newly acquired 70-200 VR lense would work on the D40, and I don't
think you'd say it's stripped down.

:-)