DSLR skin tone shootout

[JDArt]

I've long wanted to read such a report as this:

http://www.shootsmarter.com/DSLRshootout.html

One of the problems I've noted with DSLRs over the years is that skin tone reproduction can be all over the map, assuming a properly exposed and white balanced subject.

This site tested these cameras:

Nikon D2x, Nikon D2h, Nikon D200, Canon 5D, Canon 1D Mark II,* Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 30D, Fuji S3

And ended up ranking them thus, in terms of skin tone:

#1 Canon 5D* 7.43
#2 Fuji S3* 7.28
#3 Nikon D200* 7.01
#4 Canon 30D* 6.22
#5 Nikon D2x* 6.18
#6 Canon 1D II* 5.96
#7 Nikon D2h 5.88
#8 Canon 1Ds II* 4.77

You can download the winning file (5D) here and the file from the "worst" camera (1DS Mark II) here.

I actually downloaded both files, brought them up in photoshop, and found the 1DS Mark II skin tone reproduction to be preferable to the 5D's. To my eyes, the 5D's skin color reproduction looks too "hot," slightly artificial.

No matter which skin tone reproduction you prefer, I think what this reminds us is that when you buy a DSLR, you're buying a type of color reproduction as much as anything else. It's like buying a film camera with a certain type of film preloaded (and not possible to swap out).

It's very troubling to me that even different cameras from the same manufacturer (Canon 5D, 30D, 1DS Mark II) all test out differently in terms of color reproduction. This becomes a true pain if you're attempting to integrate different cameras into your workflow.

[Waleed]

I don't think it's difficult to reach the same result from any of the 8 cameras, is it?

Instead of JPEGs, we shoot RAW.. Then in processing, we set the WB to the temperature of the studio lights.
Wouldn't that bring the results closer?

[Mr. Pickles]

Well gee, that looks liek a pile of crap to me. Odd that it played out like Canon, (Nikon body), Canon, Nikon, Canon, Nikon.....

And they claim to have tested all the "pro-level" DSLRs. Umm, are all those really pro-level? And they used the cameras least compressed JPG setting too? Nice.

Based on the severity of the number drops, could we assume that some tick lower than "pro-level" cameras might get a negative number? And where is a Pentax, or a Sigma, or an Olympus? Not pro-level enough?

I'll let my own eyes do the talking thank you....

[cyclohexane]

Pickles and Waleed nailed it. If someone using what they've called a "pro-level camera" leaves the default JPEG settings on and doesn't do PP, then they've got too much money.

This isn't so much a test of "skintone reproduction" as "skintone reproduction using default JPEG parameters". Also, they only had one model. What about other ethnicities? I prefer my D70's Caucasian skintones, but my D2H has better Asian skintones (both using PP). Also, what about personal preference? I've got a friend who likes Velvia's skintones.

BTW, Pop Photo always gives skintones to Canon, but we all know how much to place on Pop Photo assessments... =)

[badpickev]

and to think, the fuji would have scored a lot higher had they shot in wide dr and 12mp mode.


la la la la fuji is king, fuji is king. you are all jealous of the fuji.

ok enough kidding. i think it would have been fun to have seen other camera and such. but all things being equal. this is what people thought. like any test its fair and flawed.

is this test going to stop any one of the photocamel members from shooting skin tones? ruch out to get a better skin tone camera? completely re-evalueate their gear?

nope, not a second thought. this test and about $2-3 will get you a cappuccino at starbucks.

[AlbertP]

Originally Posted by badpickev

this test and about $2-3 will get you a cappuccino at starbucks.

Make that $4. Prices are going up.

[ohenry]

Originally Posted by AlbertP

Make that $4. Prices are going up.

Yes, but you still get that sneer of disgust from the girl behind the counter with the spike in her nostril.

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by ohenry

Yes, but you still get that sneer of disgust from the girl behind the counter with the spike in her nostril.

But which camera will capture the spike in nostril girls skin tone better?

Probably a Canon, but if she was outside in a broad field of wild flowers with a nice stream beside her, and a mountain range in the background, a Nikon just might be better.

And if you had to get on the ground to shoot upwards to create a more dramatic image, whcih is better?

And if there was a convenience store by that stream, and your battery DIED, and you needed a new one, which camera would be better to have?

[AlbertP]

Originally Posted by ohenry

Yes, but you still get that sneer of disgust from the girl behind the counter with the spike in her nostril.

I gladly pay extra for that.

[badpickev]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

But which camera will capture the spike in nostril girls skin tone better?

the Fuji with its extended DR

Probably a Canon, but if she was outside in a broad field of wild flowers with a nice stream beside her, and a mountain range in the background, a Nikon just might be better. once again a Fuji cause it has those lovely Fuji colors

And if you had to get on the ground to shoot upwards to create a more dramatic image, whcih is better?once again the Fuji cause it captures the shadows oh so well.

And if there was a convenience store by that stream, and your battery DIED, and you needed a new one, which camera would be better to have?
this can only be a Fuji, cause it still uses AA batteries


face it everyone needs a fuji

i should change my name to fuji man

[Rokcet Scientist]

Originally Posted by ohenry

Yes, but you still get that sneer of disgust from the girl behind the counter with the spike in her nostril.

Good staff is impossible to get.

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by badpickev

i should change my name to fuji man

I'm one of the original menbers, and I pay attention. You might want to change your name to "The Only Fuji Man"

[Rokcet Scientist]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

"The Only Fuji Man"

Must be a lonely existence.