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boogieelephant · Joined: 05 Dec 2009 Posts: 99

I was struggling for several month with my D5000 trying to get images to look as good as on D40 camera, no success.
I suspect that all Nikon CMOS based cameras have that specific fuzziness(not noise and not camera shake), that unpleasant feel to pictures. Even newest D7000 has it.
I finally decided to sell my D5000 and upgrade to older CCD based camera(D50 most likely). From current Nikon production I'd probably consider only D3000.
Can anyone else see the difference between photographs taken with CMOS and CCD sensors?

turboal1960 · Joined: 11 Dec 2008 Posts: 862 Location: Argentina

For doing a fair evaluation, the only way is compare sensors of the same MP and size. The other question is if the sensor has anti-aliasing filter or not. The filter eliminates the artifacts, bur it takes a toll on resolution.

In my brand (Pentax) I use a K200 (10MP CCD based) and a Kx (12MP CMOS based, probably wit a very soft anti-aliasing filter).

The images from the CCD camera are a bit more soft and creamy. The CMOS one has more resolution power; sometimes the image is a bit harder. I do not know if it is for the sensor or for the anti-aliasing. Both cameras can produce nice images, completely useful. It depends on light and post processing.

Leica use a CCD on his M9. Sure they had done more evaluations than we can do.

boogieelephant · Joined: 05 Dec 2009 Posts: 99

Thanks turboal1960, I didn't know about antialias filters.
I found page that shows exactly what I meant.
http://maxmax.com/nikon_d200hr.htm
My D5000's antialiasing drives me nuts :)
Based on people's feedback I found online, D70 has the least amount of antialiasing(now it's my primary candidate to replace D5000).

greenfield54 · Joined: 21 Jun 2009 Posts: 2619 Location: Philippines

I believe the only reason for the switch from CCD to CMOS is due to the fact that the latter has faster response and lower power consumption. Though traditionally it is well known that CMOS based devices are more sensitive to static electricity. I used to use CMOS integrated circuits and it's very easy to destroy one by the mere touch of a static charged finger. Image enhancement is now mostly achieved by software rather than hardware/firmware.

rinder99 · Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 4:59 pm

Im a fan of fovean chips and they were supposed to take over but never did. And you really Like the 15 generation Older D70? wow. I had 2 and I owned or shot every nikon Made including all the digital cameras . i thought The d70 was the worst noise machine I ever used. For my Money the 3 top Nikon DSLRS were the D2H,D1x and the old D100. Image quality wise. And my D3 is Pretty good also.The D2H was a powerhouse machine gun.

boogieelephant · Joined: 05 Dec 2009 Posts: 99

thanks for reply rinder99, what do you think about image quality of D40?
I used to have D40 and realized how much I liked it after I sold it.
I primarily take photos for personal use and overall "feel" of an image is very important to me.
I just wanted to find out why I like D40,
probably it's combination of sensor, antialiasing filter and software.

And I really liked samples from D1x at imagingresorce.com
Since D1x's are cheap, I might consider buying one.
and certainly getting D40 back :)

greenfield54 · Joined: 21 Jun 2009 Posts: 2619 Location: Philippines

boogieelephant · Joined: 05 Dec 2009 Posts: 99

greenfield54, did you have to buy another charger or original one works with Li ion battery?

greenfield54 · Joined: 21 Jun 2009 Posts: 2619 Location: Philippines

boogieelephant · Joined: 05 Dec 2009 Posts: 99

greenfield54, thanks for thorough explanation.
You guys helped me greatly. I've learned many new things about digital cameras.