These two cameras are pretty close in their specifications. Still, it will be intersting compare their image quality and see if Nikon had improved it in the D80.

Nikon D80: Jpeg Fine, Optimize Image: Normal, AutoWB, ISO100, 1/8,
Nikkor 50mm@f9
Nikon D200: Jpeg Fine, Optimize Image: Normal, AutoWB, ISO100, 1/8,
Nikkor 50mm@f9

Nikon D80	Nikon D200

Sharpening

Nikon aimed the D80 for the less professional users than the D200 producing a lower sharpening level at the ‘normal’ setting. We see this setting as a better default and there is always the option to set the camera to a lower sharpening level if needed.

Details

It seems that the strength of the anti aliasing filter is the same, creating very similar results in the detail level.

demosaicing, false colors

Both cameras show almost no false color problems. In some problematic frequencies there is some screen print pattern shown.

Contrast and color

The change in color and contrast in the D80 can be seen in our color database. Nikon created colors that are more saturated and are further away from Nikon has chosen a more contrasted curve that affects the dark levels. At the end of the day we get an image that needs almost no processing with the D80 compared to the D200 that creates images that need some work. With the D80 we can get the same contrast curve by setting the camera contrast in the menu.

Noise reduction

Noise is almost not a factor in low ISO, we discuss noise in our higher ISO comparison.

Notes

Most issues are pretty much the same in these 2 cameras. But it does seem like Nikon is aiming the D80 for the less professional market in the processing part of the flow. One can change his D80 setting to create the same effect as the D200 but the opposite is not possible as Nikon does not allow medium levels of the tone setting that creates the contrast.

Although these two cameras are far a part one from another, both price wise and market share wise, it’s the first time in a long time that there is a possibility to compare between Nikon and Canon under the same resolution.

Canon EOS 400D: Jpeg Fine, PS: Standard, AutoWB, ISO1600, 1/100,
Canon 50mm@f9
Nikon D80: Jpeg Fine, Optimize Image: Normal, AutoWB, ISO1600, 1/125,
Nikkor 50mm@f9

Canon EOS 400D	Nikon D80

Sharpening

As you can see, the sharpening level in the Canon EOS 400D is a little bit higher, this might also be due to the strength level of the edges after the noise reduction.

Details

Nikon D80′s noise reduction system leaves less detail compared to the Canon’s.

demosaicing, false colors

Nikon D80′s output is smoother and has less false color and demosaicing problems, as can be expected from the most advanced noise reduction system.

Contrast and color

Nikon’s noise reduction system removes some saturation from the dark zones. Correspondingly we can see that the EOS 400D leaves more color and details in the dark zones.

Noise reduction

Nikon D80′s noise reduction system is more advanced than the one implemented in the EOS 400D. The Nikon D80 removes color noise almost absolutely and leaves very little edge problems. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 400D leaves more color noise bit delivers more details. We would choose less details and less color noise than the opposite under high ISO, but that is a matter of personal taste.

Notes

Canon is definitely stretching the DIGIC II’s limits with the 10MP resolution. We hope to see cleaner and better results in Canon’s future cameras. In the mean while we are happier with Nikon D80′s results in high ISO.

Although these two cameras are far a part one from another, both price wise and market share wise, it’s the first time in a long time that there is a possibility to compare between Nikon and Canon under the same resolution.

Canon EOS 400D: Jpeg Fine, PS: Standard, AutoWB, ISO100, 1/6,
Canon 50mm@f9
Nikon D80: Jpeg Fine, Optimize Image: Normal, AutoWB, ISO100, 1/8,
Nikkor 50mm@f9

Canon EOS 400D	Nikon D80

Sharpening

As always, the default sharpening mode of the Nikon is lower than Canon’s. The Nikon D80, considered more professional, shows lower sharpening levels than the Canon 400D at this ISO. More over, there are significant differences in these two sharpening systems. We showed on different tests that our images are optically sharp from top to bottom. The reason these images have uneven sharpness in different zones is due to the sharpening mechanism on both cameras that work differently on the regions of the image. The systems don’t work the same on different contrast zones.

We tend to prefer the Canon’s sharpening system (despite it’s halos), it has a crisp and vivid feeling to it (as in all cameras with Picture Style). Similar sharpening levels can be achieved with the Nikon D80, but even high sharpening doesn’t reach the same crispiness, as this camera is aimed at the more professional consumers. (In contrast to the Nikon D50 that shows crisp and aggressive sharpening.

Details

Both cameras show a very similar amount of details. Even though it might seem that the Canon 400D had a little bit more details, these details exist in the Nikon D80 but need a stronger level of sharpening to make them emphasized.

demosaicing, false colors

The Nikon D80 doesn’t show any severe false colors problems and the demosaicing patterns are hidden pretty well with a cubic pattern. We assume that this pattern comes to give an illusion of a response to the high frequencies. You can see some color in the pattern, but in a reasonable amount. With DIGIC II in the Canon 400D there is a good false color level bit the hiding of the demosaicing problems isn’t so elegant and can be improved. We hope to see this improvment in the DIGIC III.

Contrast and color

The different approaches of the two companies can really be seen here. The Nikon D80 is softer with less contrast in it, while the Canon 400D has more details in the dark zones, stronger and more vivid colors. Notice cut 6, where the detail in the girl’s face are almost unseen. Under the Nikon D80, her face is a bit too saturated. You should remember that in both cameras everything can be changed via the menus and according to the shooting scene.

Noise reduction

It is hard to discuss the noise reduction subject under 100 ISO, we will check it in our 1600 ISO comparison.

Notes

It will be hard to say that one of these cameras is better than the other. Both companies have things to improve. It seems that no matter what camera you will choose you will be able to get a similar result.

The Canon EOS 30D and the Canon EOS 400D are both equipped with the DIGIC II image processing pipeline. However, the EOS 400D has a 10 MP CMOS sensor oppose to 8 MP CMOS sensor in the Canon EOS 30D. It will be interesting to see if the two more mega pixels of the Canon EOS 400D provide any disadvantage on the 8MP sensor at 100ISO.

Canon EOS 400D: Jpeg Fine, PS: Standard, AutoWB, ISO100, 1/6,
Canon 50mm@f9
Canon EOS 30D: Jpeg Fine, PS: Standard, AutoWB, ISO100, 1/8,
Canon 50mm@f9

Canon EOS 400D	Canon EOS 30D

Sharpening

Due to the picture style system, the sharpening levels are equal in both cameras, that’s the idea behind this system and it seems to work.

Details

Although the 10MP sensor of the EOS 400D has a small advantage, these differences does put the MP war in proportion. The differences appear in cut 11 where you can see the fabric texture better detailed with the EOS 400D. Also note cut 2 in between the sketch lines.

demosaicing, false colors

These problems are not new with the DIGIC II. Both camera don’t deal ideally with demosaicing problems, and in the EOS 30D there is are a bit more false colors. It seems that the EOS 400D’s sensor is coping better with problematic frequencies, but not much better than the EOS 30D.

Contrast and color

Again, due to the picture style system the shadows and contrast are pretty similar. Because the Canon EOS 30D overexposes in about +0.4/+0.5EV, we had to set its exposure down by -0.3EV. There are still minor contrast differences between the two cameras despite that.

Noise reduction

It is hard to discuss the noise reduction subject in 100 ISO, check the 1600 ISO comparison.

Notes

After evaluating these results, 10 MP don’t seem to create a big advantage. With DIGIC II and the picture style system we get quite similar results. 10 mega pixels can get the enthusiast printer the extra push needed for big prints, and can resolve some false color issues DIGIC II should have handled.