Originally posted by photoptimist Unless the accelerator is disabled at low ISO, it should provide significant improvements at all ISOs in the shadows. Those samples show huge improvements in noise at 12800 which is to say that images taken at 1600 will show similar improvements in shadows only 3EV down from middle gray.
Yes.
Quote: But to me the bigger "so what" for high ISO imaging is whether photographers who say they don't need ISO higher than 1600 say that because they've never had a camera that could produce a decent image at higher ISO. That is, they've unconsciously or deliberately avoided high ISO scenes either by putting away the camera when it gets dark or pulling out a flash or tripod.
I think you just described me until about 2010 when I got the Sony A850.
Quote: There's absolutely nothing wrong with seeking or creating low ISO photographs. But there's a lot to be said for expanding the frontiers of high-quality, ambient light photography to times and places that aren't in full sun or that aren't readily (or permissibly) lit by flash or tripod-friendly.
Innovations like the K-1ii aren't so much about improving the images you already take (although it does that). It's really about expanding the conditions under which you can get great images.
Precisely this. Think of it the same way as good weatherproofing, or IBIS. It has nothing to do with whether you can get great shots with classic tripod settings---of course you can. But being able to use the tool in new ways is very liberating, as I found out with my Oly E-3 during my first shooting it wet snow w/o having to resort to camera/lens protection. Or the first time I was able to shoot above iso 400 and actually feel good about the results. I am now constantly in situations where I must shoot on the fly at higher iso's to manage the dim light and slight action, without using a tripod that would be in the way (even a monopod can be cumbersome).
Quote: If Canikony introduced a sensor and camera that gave one or two extra stops of low-light performance, it would be hailed as game-shanging innovation. Why no similar accolades for Pentax?
Although it's not an actual deliberate conspiracy, it winds up being the same result....