Prolog:
If you want to know which cameras and lenses are the best, this article is for you, it is consise of DxO Labs data which maybe too difficult too understand if we read directly in DxO Labs web.
Products
DxO Optics Pro is a software which corrects various optical aberrations, notably image distortion, with corrections tuned to particular lenses and cameras. It also adjusts lighting and color rendering. The software reads the Exif file to gather informations about the camera, the lens and the settings that were used.Its automatic optical adjustment can fix:[2]
- Distortion of curved line (should be straight)
- Color fringes
- Light fall off of vignetting
- Make same sharpness (not soft) from center to corners
DxO FilmPack emulates the appearance of various conventional films digitally.
DxO also provides image processing software OEM to camera manufacturers. Their DxO Analyzer product is used to measure lens distortions and sensor performance.
DxO uses PACE Interlok piracy protection.
The Perceptual MegaPixel (P-MPix) rates the resolution a camera produces when paired to a particular lens.[3] DxO Labs claims that P-MPix is a more accurate and relevant value for photographers to consider when weighing-up camera sharpness[4][5][6][7] As of mid-2013, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM mounted on a Nikon D800 has the highest measured P-MPix. However, with a value of 23 MP, it still wipes-off more than one-third of the D800's 36.3 MP sensor.[8]
Technology and the Image quality
Based on the DxOMark Sensor Score, we know that:[9]- Usually larger sensors outperform smaller ones ...
- ... but newer models usually outperform same sized older models. And even the newest APS-C sensor outperform the older 1.3x crop sensors and moreover some old full-frame sensors.
- Whether a DSLR or MILC from the same brand with the same sensor, both have same image quality.
- No one of Canon cameras are best-in-class, except for the 1/1.7" segment. Mostly the dynamic range score, called "Landscape", is lower, which is caused by low effective number of bits of the analog-digital conversion.
- Sensors from Sony (which are used by both Sony and Nikon) perform better than sensors from other makers.
DxO Rating
On May 18, 2014 DxO Labs made Sensor Rating of 267 cameras and Nokia smartphones from 16 brands (not 18 brands, because Casio and Sigma is still empty). While Camera & Lens Rating list about 7,150 combinations of camera & lens from only 8 camera brands, Canon (with 26 cameras), Nikon (26), Olympus (14), Panasonic (8), Pentax (9), Ricoh (only Ricoh GR), Samsung (only Samsung NX20) and Sony (23), totally 107 cameras or about 40 percent of 267 cameras and smartphones which have Sensor Rating, mainly DSLR and mid-to-high-end of DSLT and MILC.Sensor Rating
The DxOMark Sensor Score measures the RAW image quality data without considering the resolution, speed or lens sharpness.DxOMark Sensor Overall Score consists of three components:
- Color Depth for Portrait
- Dynamic Range for Landscape
- Low-light ISO for Sport
Position | Launch Date | Brand | Camera Type | DxOMark Sensor Overall Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2014-06 | Nikon D810 | Full frame DSLR | 97 |
2 | 2012-02 | Nikon D800E | Full frame DSLR | 96 |
3 | 2013-10 | Sony A7R | Full frame MILC | 95 |
4 | 2012-02 | Nikon D800 | Full frame DSLR | 95 |
5 | 2012-09 | Nikon D600 | Full frame DSLR | 94 |
6 | 2013-10 | Nikon D610 | Full frame DSLR | 94 |
7 | 2012-09 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 | Full frame Fixed-lens compact camera | 93 |
8 | 2011-01 | Phase One IQ 180 | Medium format | 91 |
9 | 2013-06 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R | Full frame Fixed-lens compact camera | 91 |
10 | 2013-10 | Sony A7 | Full frame MILC | 90 |
11 | 2013-11 | Nikon Df | Full frame DSLR | 89 |
12 | 2012-01 | Nikon D4 | Full frame DSLR | 89 |
13 | 2008-07 | Phase One P65 Plus | Medium format | 89 |
14 | 2014-02 | Nikon D4S | Full frame DSLR | 89 |
15 | 2012-09 | Sony SLT Alpha 99 | Full frame DSLT | 89 |
For commercial use, DxO Labs stated that the best Sensor Overall Score is 101 points for the movie camera Red - the Epic-M camera with the Dragon sensor which has size only 56 percent of a Full frame sensor size,[16] however the still image quality between the Red Dragon and Nikon D800 which got 95 points are almost the same.[17]
Launch Date | Brand | Camera Type | DxOMark Sensor Overall Score |
---|---|---|---|
2008-12 | Nikon D3x | Full frame DSLR | 88 |
2014-04 | Sony A7s | Full frame MILC | 87 |
2009-04 | Phase One P40 Plus | Medium format | 87 |
2012-09 | Leica M Type 240 | Full frame MILC | 84 |
2012-11 | Nikon D5200 | Crop format DSLR | 84 |
2013-02 | Nikon D7100 | Crop format DSLR | 83 |
2013-10 | Nikon D5300 | Crop format DSLR | 83 |
2010-03 | Pentax 645D | Medium format | 82 |
2009-10 | Nikon D3s | Full frame DSLR | 82 |
2012-08 | Pentax K-5 IIs | Crop format DSLR | 82 |
2014-02 | Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 | Crop format MILC | 82 |
2014-05 | Sony Alpha 77 II | Crop format DSLT | 82 |
2012-08 | Pentax K-5 II | Crop format DSLR | 82 |
2014-01 | Nikon D3300 | Crop format DSLR | 82 |
2011-10 | Canon EOS 1Dx | Full frame DSLR | 82 |
2012-09 | Canon EOS 6D | Full frame DSLR | 82 |
2010-09 | Pentax K-5 | Crop format DSLR | 82 |
2012-04 | Nikon D3200 | Crop format DSLR | 81 |
2012-03 | Canon EOS 5D Mark III | Full frame DSLR | 81 |
2011-08 | Sony NEX-7 | Crop format MILC | 81 |
2007-08 | Nikon D3 | Full frame DSLR | 81 |
DSLR sensor quality growth
Launch Date | Brand | Camera Type | DxOMark Sensor Overall Score | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
2012-11 | Nikon D5200 | Crop Format DSLR | 84 | The best |
2004-01 | Nikon D70 | Crop Format DSLR | 50 | The worst |
2010-01 | Sony Alpha 450 | Crop Format DSLT | 66 | Initial steep increase |
Launch Date | Brand | Camera Type | DxOMark Sensor Overall Score | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
2012-02 | Nikon D800E | Full frame DSLR | 96 | The best |
2008-11 | Olympus E-30 | Micro Four Thirds DSLR | 55 | The worst |
2003-02 | Canon EOS 10D | Crop format DSLR | 57 |
Launch Date | Brand | Camera Type | DxOMark Sensor Overall Score | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
2011-01 | Phase One IQ 180 Digital Back | Medium Format DSLR | 91 | The best |
2003-07 | Nikon D2H | Crop format DSLR | 40 | The worst |
2002-09 | Canon EOS 1Ds | Full frame DSLR | 63 |
MILC sensor quality growth
Launch Date | Brand | Camera Type | DxOMark Sensor Overall Score | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
2013-10 | Sony A7R | Full frame MILC | 95 | The best |
2011-08 | Sony NEX-7 | APS-C MILC | 81 | Second best |
2011-06 | Pentax Q | 1/2.3" MILC | 47 | The worst |
2008-09 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 | Micro Four Thirds MILC | 53 | |
2013-08 | Sony NEX-5T | APS-C MILC | 78 |
Point & shoot small sensor quality
Launch Date | Brand | Camera Type | DxOMark Sensor Overall Score | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
2013-06 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II | 1" Fixed Lens Compact Camera | 67 | The best |
2012-06 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 | 1" Fixed Lens Compact Camera | 66 | Second best |
2013-08 | Canon PowerShot S120 | 1/1.7" Fixed Lens Compact Camera | 56 | Third best |
Camera & Lens Rating
There are two scores:[20]- DxOMark Score,[9] which gives an overall score of a lens used with a specific camera body (in this article we use term Camera & Lens Combination Score to avoid confusion with DxOMark Sensor Overall Score).
- Optical Metric Score, gives a score of each sharpness, distortion, vignetting, transmission and chromatic aberration of a lens, but still tested on a certain camera.
On February 9, 2014 about half of all lenses and cameras combination tested are zoom lenses. Canon and Nikon cameras dominated the tested with about 40 percent each.
The best-10 of DxOMark Score of all categories are all certain fixed/single focus (not zoom) lens. The top-3 is dominated by Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZF.2 Nikon tested on Nikon D800, Nikon D610 and Nikon D600 and got Camera & Lens Combination Score 45,43 and 42 points, respectively. Sony FE Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 55mm F1.8 ZA got 42 point and set at fourth. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G tested on Nikon D800 set at the fifth with 40 points and tested on Nikon D600 set also 40 points as the sixth. And when used slower lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G tested on Nikon D800 still got 40 points. Nikon lenses dominated a half of the best-10, 2 types of Carl Zeiss list 4 positions and Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Nikon tested also on Nikon D800 got score 39 points.
The best zoom lens of all categories is Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 D1 VC USD Nikon, best at f=100mm and f/2.8 tested on Nikon D800 and set at 149 position, got excellent scoring 31. And then Sigma 120-300mm F/2.8 DG OS HSM S Nikon, best at f=120mm and f/2.8 tested on Nikon D800, got score 30 and set at 190 position. The rest got score above average, average or below (29 or below). The third is also Sigma 120-300mm F/2.8 DG OS HSM S Canon, tested on Canon EOS 5D Mark III, got score 29 and set at 198 position; the best at f=300mm and f/2.8 (different when tested on Nikon D800) means Nikon and Canon have different approach on processing. The fourth is Tamron SP 70-200mm tested on Nikon D610, set at 205 position with score 29 points and best at f=100mm and f/2.8 same as when tested on Nikon D800. The fifth is Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD Nikon got score 29 points when tested on Nikon D800. The sixth is a Crop Format DSLR Nikon D5300 when tested Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM A Nikon got score 29 points. So, when use a certain small magnification zoom lens, a Crop Format DSLR is no significant different with a Full frame DSLR. All zoom lenses above have small magnification zoom, below 3x.
There are more than 500 Nikon DX Crop Factor Format lenses and cameras combination tested. The best is a zoom lens Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM A Nikon tested on Nikon D5300, got score 29 and when tested on Nikon D7100 got score 28 as the second, tested on Nikon D3200 got score 26, tested on Nikon D5200 got score 26 and tested on Nikon D7000 got score 23. The third position is Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G, tested on Nikon D5300, got score 27 and when tested on Nikon D7100 got score 26 or above average, followed by the fifth position is also fixed focus lens Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC HSM A Nikon tested on Nikon D7100, got score 26. In the best-10, Sigma 18-35mm share 4 positions, Nikkor 35mm share 3 positions and Sigma 30mm share also 3 positions.
There are about 450 Canon EF-S Crop Factor Format lenses and cameras combination tested. The best-5 is not fixed focus lens, but zoom of third party lens Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM A Canon ($973) tested on Canon EOS 70D, 100D, 700D, 7D and 500D, all best at f=18mm and f/1.8, get score 27, 26, 25, 24 and 22 points, respectively. No one of Canon EF-S lens set in the best-10, all are dominated by Sigmas (zoom lenses and fixed focus lens).
Note: All the positions are among all of the lenses and cameras combination tested and not in certain category. The position are changing from time to time and uses as rank purposes only and also to know the position is near each other or not.
Fast lens
Full Frame DSLR | Sensor Overall Score[22] | Lens Name | Camera & Lens Combination Score[23] |
---|---|---|---|
D800 | 95 | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G | 40 |
D600 | 94 | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G | 40 |
D800 | 95 | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G | 40 |
D600 | 94 | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G | 40 |
D800 | 95 | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2G ED VR II | 39 |
D600 | 94 | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2G ED VR II | 37 |
Constant widest aperture along the zoom range
Crop format DSLR | Sensor Overall Score[24] | Zoom Lens Name | Camera & Lens Combination Score[25] |
---|---|---|---|
Nikon D5200 | 84 | Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD Nikon | 19 |
Nikon D5200 | 84 | Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 GX DC OS HSM Nikon | 19 |
Nikon D5200 | 84 | Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C Nikon | 18 |
Kit (zoom) lens
Crop format DSLR | Sensor Overall Score[27] | Zoom Lens Name | Zoom Magnification | Camera & Lens Combination Score[28] |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nikon D5200 | 84 | Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR | 3.1x | 14 |
Canon 700D | 61 | Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM | 3.1x | 13 |
Crop format DSLR | Sensor Overall Score[29] | Zoom Lens Name | Zoom Magnification | Camera & Lens Combination Score[30] |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canon 70D | 68 | Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM | 3.1x | 14 |
Canon 70D | 68 | Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM | 7.5x | 13 |
Canon 70D | 68 | Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS | 11.1x | 10 |
Nikon D90 | 73 | Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR | 5.8x | 11 |
The five-years old Nikon D90 is launched in August 2008, but until late of 2013 is still sold in new status with kit (zoom) lens. Its Sensor Overall Score is only 73 points and the kit (zoom) lens 18-105mm is only got Camera & Lens Combination Score 11 points.
There are no Kit (zoom) lens got Excellent Camera & Lens Combination Score, all only got Below Average.
The different of Camera & Lens Combination Score between Kit (zoom) lens and Big magnification zoom lens as below on Crop DSLR is not much and more depends on the quality of each zoom lens and not so much depends on the Sensor quality (Sensor Overall Score).
Prime Wide-angle to Portrait Zoom Lens
Sensor format type | Camera brand | Sensor Overall Score[31] | Zoom Lens Name | Camera & Lens Combination Score[32] |
---|---|---|---|---|
Full frame | Nikon D800 | 95 | Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD Nikon | 29 |
Full frame | Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 81 | Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | 28 |
Full frame | Nikon D 800 | 95 | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED | 28 |
APS-C | Pentax K-3/K-5 IIs/K-50 | 80/82/79 | Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC HSM Pentax | 21/20/19 |
Micro Four Thirds System | Olympus EP5/EM1/EM5 | 72/73/71 | Olympus M ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO | 20/20/19 |
Micro Four Thirds System | Panasonic GH3/GX1/GH2 | 71/55/60 | Olympus M ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO | 18/18/18 |
APS-C Nikon | Nikon D5300/D7100 | 83/83 | Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC HSM Nikon | 20/20 |
APS-C Nikon | Nikon D5300 | 83 | Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF ED | 19 |
APS-C Canon | Canon 70D/100D/7D | 68/63/66 | Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Canon | 17/16/16 |
APS-C Canon | Canon 70D/7D/100D | 68/66/63 | Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 iS USM | 16/15/15 |
The full frame systems are the best with its larger sensor and bigger lens diameter than crop cameras.
Pentax systems gave the best of crop cameras, although used the third party lens. Good news for non-loyalist users, because more options now, not only Nikon and Canon, but also Pentax has in the top line of APS-C crop format DSLR.
But the stars are Micro Four Thirds Systems which followed Pentaxs. With smaller sensor, but still big diameter of the lens/filter (62mm) Olympus M ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO gave only maximum one point behind of Camera & Lens Combination Score than Pentaxs when tested on Olympus EP5, EM1 and EM5. Similar zoom range of non-fast Crop DSLR lenses have lens thread 52-58mm only. And when tested on Panasonic GH3, GX1 and GH2 got same Camera & Lens Combination Score 18, although Panasonic GX1 and GH2 got only Sensor Overall Score 55, and 60. It means processing is more important than sensor quality. As has mentioned at APS-C versus Micro Four Thirds Section, for Micro Four Thirds Systems, Olympus is still better than Panasonic for its cameras and lenses.
Nikon Crop format DSLR systems is better than Panasonic, but only same with Olympus, but Nikon systems is always better than Canon system as the worst image quality which seems more difficult for Canon to catch its rivals image quality progress, Canon now priorities for touch screens, lightest DSLRs or non-image quality features.
The cheapest lens is Sigma 17-50mm for about $569.
Big magnification zoom lens
Crop format DSLR | Sensor Overall Score[33] | Big Zoom Lens Name | Big Zoom Magnification | Camera & Lens Combination Score[34] |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nikon D5200/Nikon D5300 | 84/83 | Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR | 16.7x | 14/15 |
Nikon D5200/Nikon D5300 | 84/83 | Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Nikon | 15x | 13/13 |
Nikon D5200/Nikon D5300 | 84/83 | Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS Nikon | 11.1x | 12/13 |
Nikon D5200/Nikon D5300 | 84/83 | Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED | 11.1x | 12/13 |
Nikon D5200/Nikon D5300 | 84/83 | Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Nikon | 13.9x | 12/13 |
Nikon D5200/Nikon D5300 | 84/83 | Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM Nikon | 11.1x | 12/12 |
Pentax K-50 | 79 | Pentax smc Pentax DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) | 13.9x | 13 |
Pentax K-50 | 79 | Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM Pentax | 11.1x | 13 |
Pentax K-50 | 79 | Pentax smc Pentax DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED AL (IF) | 15x | 13 |
Olympus OM-D E-M1/EP5/EM5 | 73/72/71 | Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm /F3.5-5.6 ASPH /POWER O.I.S. | 10x | 13/13/13 |
Canon 70D | 68 | Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Canon | 13.9x | 11 |
Canon 70D | 68 | Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM Canon | 11.1x | 11 |
Canon 70D | 68 | Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Canon | 15x | 11 |
Canon 70D | 68 | Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS | 11.1x | 10 |
Canon 550D | 62 | Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Canon | 13.9x | 10 |
Canon 700D | 61 | Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Canon | 13.9x | 10 |
Canon 700D | 61 | Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM Canon | 11.1x | 10 |
Canon 700D | 61 | Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Canon | 15x | 10 |
All the above lenses for Nikon have relatively same Camera & Lens Combination Score and same F/3.5-6.3, except Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR and Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm has f/3.5-5.6G which initial G means Gold (premium?) lens with price $1,000 and $847 respectively, while Tamron AF 18-270mm price is less than a half of Nikon lenses. The other lenses for Nikon are cheaper, Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Nikon and Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM Nikon, both have Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) and the prices are less than $300.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR as the longest superzoom has vignetting at wide-angle positions and fall-off (darkened corners) at the rest of the zoom positions with aperture number smaller than f/8 (f/8-f/3.5) due to the diameter of the lens is relatively small when is compared to its lens barrel length (120mm at idle position, not yet expanded). The best image with relatively no fall-off is 50mm f/5.6 position. However use Nikkor 18-300mm at the longest end is still better than uses Nikkor 18-200mm and then crop/enlarge to 300mm, moreover on the table above Nikkor 18-300mm got the best Camera & Lens Combination Score, so by overall still better than the other lenses, if the 828grams weight and the price are not the issues.[35]
Pentax K-50, Olympus OM-D E-M1, Olympus OM-D E-P5 and Olympus OM-D E-M5 have same score of Camera & Lens Combination Score and better than Canons by 2 or 3 points. Pentax K-50 system will give the cheapest price, mainly if use $239 Sigma 18-200mm lens. Pentax K-50 is also the smallest mid-range camera,[36] but for compactness Olympus systems (with lenses) are the smallest.
All the above lenses tested on Canon 70D have relatively same Camera & Lens Combination Score and same F/3.5-6.3, except Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. Tamron 18-270mmm with Piezo Drive (PZD) price is $449 and the other lenses are cheaper with Sigma 18-250mm and Sigma 18-200mm both have same HSM (non-IF) and prices, a $100 lower than Tamron 18-270mm price.
And when the above lenses tested on Canon 550D and Canon 700D, it will give relatively same Camera & Lens Combination Score compared to Canon 70D.
Full frame DSLR | Sensor Overall Score[37] | Big Zoom Lens Name | Big Zoom Magnification | Camera & Lens Combination Score[38] |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nikon D800 | 95 | Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Nikon | 10x | 19 |
Nikon D800 | 95 | Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED | 7.1x | 17 |
Nikon D800 | 95 | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR | 10.7x | 17 |
Nikon D800 | 95 | Tamron AF 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical (F) Macro Nikon | 10.7x | 16 |
Nikon D700 | 80 | Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Nikon | 10x | 13 |
Nikon D700 | 80 | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR | 10.7x | 12 |
Nikon D700 | 80 | Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED | 7.1x | 12 |
Nikon D700 | 80 | Tamron AF 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical (F) Macro Nikon | 10.7x | 12 |
To use zoom lens with big magnification, a current Crop format DSLR is sufficient. To give a better result, a Full frame DSLR with Sensor Overall Score as high as it can should be used with good but expensive zoom lens (third party lens is not so expensive with relatively same or even better than the principal lens).
Small magnification zoom lens versus Fixed focus lens
Sensor format type | DSLR brand | Sensor Overall Score[41] | Fixed focus/Zoom Lens Name | Small Zoom Magnification | Camera & Lens Combination Score[42] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Full frame | Nikon D800 | 95 | Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZF.2 Nikon | 1x | 45 |
Full frame | Nikon D800 | 95 | Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD Nikon | 2.9x | 31 |
Full frame | Nikon D800 | 95 | Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM S Nikon | 2.5x | 30 |
Full frame | Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 81 | Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZE Canon | 1x | 38 |
Full frame | Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 81 | Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM S Canon | 2.5x | 29 |
Crop format | Nikon D7100 | 83 | Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZF.2 Nikon | 1x | 35 |
Crop format | Nikon D7100 | 83 | Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM A Nikon | 1.9x | 28 |
Crop format | Canon EOS 70D | 68 | Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZE Canon | 1x | 27 |
Crop format | Canon 70D | 68 | Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM A Canon | 1.9x | 27 |
When use Small magnification zoom lenses all of it give relatively same above average image qualities, no matter use Full frame DSLR or not, Nikon or not. The interesting things is the focus of best image quality when use Tamron SP 70-200mm set at 100mm, Sigma 120-300mm tested on Nikon D7100 at 120mm and Sigma 120-300mm tested on Canon 70D at 300mm. It means Nikon and Canon have different proprietary processing approach of the (zoom) lenses.
Full frame DSLR is only superior when use Fixed focus lens and Nikon (not Canon) Crop format DSLR is not too superior when use Fixed focus lens. Professionals should use Fullframe DSLR with Fixed focus lens (not zoom lens) to give maximum image quality, but for General use when zoom lens is frequently/flexible needed, a Nikon or Canon Crop format DSLR is adequate. The crop cameras, Pentax such as Pentax K-5, Sony such as Sony NEX-7 and other brands give the Camera & Lens Combination Score Average or Below Average when tested Fixed focus lenses and when tested the zoom lenses become worse.
Relation between Sensor Rating and Lens Rating
Launch Date | Brand | Camera Type | DxOMark Sensor Overall Score | Color Depth | Dynamic Range | Low-light ISO | Best Lens Tested | Camera & Lens Combination Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012-02 | Nikon D800 | Full frame DSLR | 95 | 25.3 bits | 14.4 Evs | 2853 ISO | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G | 40 |
2012-09 | Sony SLT Alpha 99 | Full frame DSLT | 89 | 25 bits | 14 Evs | 1555 ISO | Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM A Sony | 34 |
2008-07 | Nikon D700 | Full frame DSLR | 80 | 23.5 bits | 12.2 Evs | 2303 ISO | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G | 28 |
2009-07 | Nikon D300s | Crop format DSLR | 70 | 22.5 bits | 12.2 Evs | 787 ISO | Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Nikon | 22 |
2004-02 | Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro | Crop format DSLR | 60 | 20.9 bits | 13.5 Evs | 346 ISO | Ongoing Test | |
2005-02 | Canon EOS 350D | Crop format DSLR | 60 | 21.8 bits | 10.8 Evs | 637 ISO | Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DG HSM Canon | 18 |
2004-01 | Nikon D70 | Crop format DSLR | 50 | 20.4 bits | 10.3 Evs | 529 ISO | Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Nikon | 16 |
- In Color Depth, the DxOMark Sensor Overall Score increase in line with bits increase
- In Dynamic Range, Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro got higher than Nikon D700 with 13.5 Evs and 12.2 Evs, respectively, but as a consequence Fujifilm got only 346 ISO. In Sensor Overall Score Nikon D700 got 20 points higher than the Fujifilm
- In Low-light ISO, Nikon D700 got 2303 ISO and as a consequence got only 12.2 Evs. Nikon D700 is better in Low-light ISO, but lack in Dynamic Range compare to Sony SLT Alpha 99 which got Sensor Overall Score 9 points better than Nikon D700
Lens performance has strong relation with sensor performance and same lens can give different image quality when tested on different camera bodies, so DxO Labs has abundant combinations lenses tested on cameras, including lenses from different parties[44] which sometimes better than the lens of camera principal.
APS-C versus Micro Four Thirds
Launch Date | Brand | Camera Type | DxOMark Sensor Overall Score | Best (and Second Best) Lens Tested | Camera & Lens Combination Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012-11 | Nikon D5200 | APS-C DSLR | 84 | Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZF 2 Nikon | 32 |
2012-11 | Nikon D5200 | APS-C DSLR | 84 | Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Nikon | 30 |
2013-07 | Canon EOS 70D | APS-C DSLR | 68 | Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZE Canon | 27 |
2011-08 | Sony NEX-7 | APS-C MILC | 81 | Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS | 23 |
2010-09 | Pentax K-5 | APS-C DSLR | 82 | Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Pentax | 22 |
2013-06 | Pentax K-50 | APS-C DSLR | 79 | Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Pentax | 24 |
2013-10 | Pentax K-3 | APS-C DSLR | 80 | Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Pentax | 27 |
2013-09 | Olympus OM-D E-M1 | Micro Four Thirds | 73 | Olympus M Zuiko Digital ED 75mm F1.8 | 27 |
2013-09 | Olympus OM-D E-M1 | Micro Four Thirds | 73 | Panasonic Leica Summilux DG 25mm F1.4 | 24 |
2013-05 | Olympus PEN E-P5 | Micro Four Thirds | 72 | Olympus M Zuiko Digital ED 75mm F1.8 | 27 |
2013-05 | Olympus PEN E-P5 | Micro Four Thirds | 72 | Panasonic Leica Summilux DG 25mm F1.4 | 24 |
2012-02 | Olympus OM-D E-M5 | Micro Four Thirds | 71 | Olympus M Zuiko Digital ED 75mm F1.8 | 27 |
2012-02 | Olympus OM-D E-M5 | Micro Four Thirds | 71 | Panasonic Leica Summilux DG 25mm F1.4 | 23 |
2012-09 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 | Micro Four Thirds | 71 | Olympus M Zuiko Digital ED 75mm F1.8 | 24 |
2012-09 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 | Micro Four Thirds | 71 | Panasonic Leica Summilux DG 25mm F1.4 | 21 |
In the category of APS-C there are 3 groups:
- The best is Nikon D5200 with the highest Sensor Overall Score 84 and Camera & Lens Combination Score 32 when tested Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZF 2 Nikon
- Canon EOS 70D got Sensor Overall Score 68 and when tested Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZE Canon got only Camera & Lens Combination Score 27, while Pentax K-3 got same Camera & Lens Combination Score 27, when tested Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Pentax, although got Sensor Overall Score 80 and significant better than Canon EOS 70D got.
- Sony NEX-7, Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-50 Sensor Overall Score a few points behind Nikon D5200, but the Camera & Lens Combination Scores are worse than Canon 70D. It means the proprietary processor software of Canon is better than Sony and Pentax have. Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Pentax tested on Pentax K-5 got Camera & Lens Combination Score 22 and on Pentax K-50 got 24, but Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Nikon tested on Nikon D5200 got Camera & Lens Combination Score 30 (significant different), so it means the proprietary processor software of Sony and Pentax are the worst, but if see Pentax K-3 which is launched 3 years after Pentax K-5 and the newer got Sensor Overall Score decline by 2 points and got Camera & Lens Combination Score increase by 5 points, it means there are progress of Pentax proprietary processor software. Without knows about the sensor quality and processing, by the end of 2013 Pentax has matched Canon in image quality result.
After see the Sensor Overall Score and the Camera & Lens Combination Score above, we can see also that the image quality of Micro Four Thirds can compete with all APS-C, excluding Nikon.
Fullframe DSLR versus APS-C DSLR
Launch Date | Brand | Camera Type | DxOMark Sensor Overall Score | Lens Tested | Camera & Lens Combination Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012-03 | Canon EOS 5D Mark III | Fullframe DSLR | 81 | Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZE Canon | 38 |
2012-03 | Canon EOS 5D Mark III | Fullframe DSLR | 81 | Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM | 17 |
2012-03 | Canon EOS 5D Mark III | Fullframe DSLR | 81 | Tamron AF 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 APO EX DG HSM Canon | 14 |
2013-02 | Nikon D7100 | APS-C DSLR | 83 | Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZF 2 Nikon | 35 |
2013-02 | Nikon D7100 | APS-C DSLR | 83 | Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR | 15 |
2013-02 | Nikon D7100 | APS-C DSLR | 83 | Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 DC OS Nikon | 13 |
2013-02 | Nikon D7100 | APS-C DSLR | 83 | Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED | 13 |
2012-11 | Nikon D5200 | APS-C DSLR | 84 | Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZF 2 Nikon | 32 |
2012-11 | Nikon D5200 | APS-C DSLR | 84 | Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR | 14 |
The interesting thing is Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR announced in June 2012 as the biggest magnification Superzoom (16.7x) available for any interchangeable-lens camera system which claim up to 4 stop slower benefit with its image stabilization for handheld uses.[47] The lens got Camera & Lens Combination Score 15 points or 2 points better than Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED. So, impression that longer zoom is bad is not always true.
The body only price of Canon EOS 5D Mark III is about $3,300 and the body only price of Nikon D7100 is about a third of Canon price, while Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM price is about $2,400 and Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR price is about 40 percent of Canon lens price and has longer zoom (450mm in equivalent 35mm).
Nikon D5200 is not a Semi-Pro DSLR, but an Entry-level DSLR with one point advantage over the Semi-Pro DSLR Nikon D7100 of Sensor Overall Score, but the Nikon D7100 got Camera Lens Combination Score slightly better than the Entry-level DSLR, although relatively give same image quality. Both use Nikon EXPEED 3 processor, so Nikon seems still differentiate between its Semi-Pro DSLR and Entry-level DSLR. The price of Nikon D5200 is about $450 lower than the Semi-Pro DSLR, but lacks of weather sealed and a built-in focus motor, while the Nikon D7100 has both.
DxO Labs says that "15 points on DxOMark Sensor scale shows a 1-stop increase for performance, and similarly, 2X for the surface sensor also adds 1 stop to the image quality performance".[48] Canon Fullframe sensor size is about 2.3x of Nikon APS-C sensor size. The Sensor Overall Score of Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Nikon D7100 are relatively same and also the Camera & Lens Combination Score of both cameras are relatively same, seems the Canon EOS 5D Mark III cannot maximize its larger sensor.
Using APS-C cameras for nature, wildlife, and sports enthusiasts will get advantage from the increased focal length of crop factor magnification.[49]
DxO Mobile Rating
To realize that Mobile devices (mainly smartphones) will surpass digital point-and-shoot cameras when take photos, DxO Labs has launched DxOMark Mobile in 2012 and tested smartphones (also tablets and other mobile devices) since 2011.[50]DxOMark Mobile is Mobile Overall Score and consists of: DxOMark Mobile Photo and DxOMark Mobile Video.
DxOMark Mobile Photo consists of details as below:
- Exposure and control
- Color
- Autofocus
- Texture
- Noise
- Artifacts
- Flash
The best of DxOMark Mobile
Based on the best DxOMark Mobile (Overall Score), the fact is DxOMark Mobile Photo give better result than DxOMark Mobile Video. All the smartphones give good photos and almost all the details. But the details of DxOMark Mobile Video give some lacks.So, if we want the smartphones only for Photo, we can directly see the DxOMark Mobile (Overall Score), but if we want to know the Video quality, we should know the details of DxOMark Mobile Video, mainly for Stabilisation, Autofocus and Noise.
Brand | DxOMark Mobile | DxOMark Mobile Photo | DxOMark Mobile Video | Video Stabilization | Video Autofocus | Video Noise |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Samsung Galaxy S5[52] | 79 | 80 | 79 | 55 | 76 | 87 |
Sony Xperia Z2 | 79 | 81 | 73 | 66 | 52 | 81 |
Nokia 808 Pureview | 77 | 81 | 68 | 39 | 40 | 59 |
Apple iPhone 5S | 76 | 78 | 72 | 57 | 47 | 75 |
Sony Xperia Z1 | 76 | 77 | 74 | 59 | 60 | 85 |
Samsung S4 | 75 | 79 | 68 | 35 | 52 | 66 |
Nokia Lumia 1020 | 74 | 79 | 64 | 49 | 45 | 53 |
LG G2 | 73 | 77 | 64 | 46 | 46 | 80 |
Nokia Lumia 925 | 73 | 75 | 69 | 60 | 62 | 59 |
Apple iPhone 5 | 72 | 74 | 70 | 54 | 49 | 47 |
Samsung S3 | 72 | 73 | 71 | 48 | 61 | 59 |
Apple iPhone 4S | 72 | 74 | 68 | 28 | 47 | 44 |
Samsung Galaxy Note II got same DxOMark Mobile 72 score as Apple iPhone 4S, while iPad (3rd generation) is marketed as Apple New iPad got only DxOMark Mobile 59 score.
References
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External links
- DxO Web site
- DxO Film Pack Review
- Review of Optics Pro
- Popular Photography Editors' Choice 2007: DxO FilmPack
- Review: DxO Optics Pro Elite 4.1, by Paul Schranz. "Raw-conversion software review." Photo Techniques Vol. 28, No. 3, available online, year 2007
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