Top 16 dynamic range

[rawfa]

Hi guys, I'm looking for a DSLR with the following (if possible):

1 - Under 700€
2 - Highest possible dynamic range (http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=NewsDesk_Internal&article_num=111908-2)
3 - Live view that is usable for everything and not just framing (REFER to http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=158660)

Any thoughts?

[The Student]

I would recommend the Olympus 520.

I don't know what your price would be in US currency but it's around 500-600 for a basic kit. It also has live view and pretty decent dynamic range. I am pretty sure Starmapper/Mino can give you more details as to how he's the new-school Olympus guy here... me I'm more the old-school OM user.

[TimurCivan]

Wow had no idea the 5D was that low....

[rawfa]

I'm starting to doubt that website. Here at digitalcamera info they put the D90 with a way loser dynamic range value and they throw in the Rebel XSI with great values: http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Panasonic-Lumix-G1-Digital-Camera-Review--19430/Color-and-Resolution.htm

Does anyone own a Canon Rebel XSI? Is has a live view but I really don't know if that you see there is just the framing or if you can view an exact replica of the photo you're about to take before you take (like a digital compac).

[egproductions]

I woudln't trust these sites for testing dynamic range. I saw a site recently that placed the 5D I very high up there.

[rawfa]

I'mve taking a real liking to the Rebel XSI. Any users around?

[WaveRiderXIX]

It doesn't surprise me the Fuji came out on top. Out of all of my cameras, that thing is still my favorite camera to use. Whenever I shoot dark, there's so many shades of darkness/near black in there that I don't see, and when come to print, pop out like magic. I can't explain it.

Main reason why I am really bummed Fuji discontinued their DSLR's... It was pretty much the only DSLR I've ever shot with where I wouldn't worry about shooting jpeg, because the colors on the skin tones were always what I expected. Whenever I shoot Nikon or Canon, I'm always having to fuck with color. Taking away some yellow... or adding warmth to the skin, or making less cool etc... Fuji jpeg F2 @ 400% DR... perfect color for me.

[DivotDan]

It doesn't surprise me the Fuji came out on top. Out of all of my cameras, that thing is still my favorite camera to use. Whenever I shoot dark, there's so many shades of darkness/near black in there that I don't see, and when come to print, pop out like magic.

That is good, and I also like the Fuji cameras......but what the article is talking about is usable dynamic range in raw files. And you can trust the Adorama post b/c if came from the folks at DxO labs. They are the kings of nerdy camera analysis stuff. Very reputable.

And when it comes down to it, Fuji should win that contest as their chip is designed to capture 2 sets of usable data.....thus their huge RAW files. Also, when you look at that chart, we are talking about a .5 stop difference on each end from the worst to the best. Not a big difference IMHO.

I despise the idea of live view, but to each their own. If you think you will use it them more power to you.

My suggestion is pick a lens system that you think will work best for your needs and then by your SLR from that company. Your lenses will be with you much longer than whatever body you buy today. I picked Nikon b/c of their broad range of compatibility. Really, choosing from any of the top guys today will not lend you a significant advantage over another. At the moment they are all pretty neck in neck.

[rawfa]

After having used the D90 I have to say that I really felt in love with it's image quality and I'm presently waiting for mine to arrive. With that much latitude and detail it's almost like having HDR directly on the camera! And to think you can push it even further with software is mind blowing for HDR lovers such as my self. My only problem is the live view. I've read the D90 manual and it specificly says that it can only be used for focus and NOT for exposure control (which sucks pretty bad for me and almost had me gaming for the Canon 50D, whose live view is "what you see is what you get"). For old school fellas who don't care about live view the D90 is a no brainer at this price.