Canon EOS 60D ISO Noise Comparison
Read about the Camera ISO noise tests in the help section to learn more about the tests and how they are conducted. A key take-away from that page is that noise reduction is completely off unless otherwise specified.
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As I said above in this review, there is not enough difference in image quality between the three 18mp DSLRs for image quality (including high ISO noise) to be a differentiating factor. The T2i, 60D and 7D do show some improvement in ultra-high noise levels over the older models shown here. For example, the 50D ISO 12800 sample shows significantly more noise than the 60D shows at the same setting. The 50D falls short (but less so) even at lower, more-commonly-used-in-real-life, ISO settings.
I remain especially-impressed with the 5D Mark II's image quality. With it's much larger full frame sensor capturing more light, the 5D II delivers clean, very sharp images.
The with-noise-reduction examples have a range of noise reduction added - from 1,2 (Luminance, Chrominance) at ISO 100 up to 8,16 at ISO 12800. These examples clearly show that noise reduction reduces the visible noise - and reduces the fine details as well.
Here is another example that includes fine details.
Fine details in the fabric better-hides high ISO noise. The Canon EOS 60D shows a slight resolution increase over the 50D, but the up-sized 50D image is not lagging far behind the 60D sample. The 60D sample details appear slightly more refined than the T2i sample in this specific example.
As I've said in other reviews, I'm slowly moving my personally acceptable APS-C high ISO noise level up to ISO 3200. I'll shoot above this setting, but only if the capture is important - and quality requirements are low. The biggest 60D noise improvements over the 50D are at levels that remain very noisy.
Back to the Canon EOS 60D Review.
