Originally posted by rbelyell so, as i read this, Q owners are saying there is simply and absolutely no IQ difference (resolution, clarity, contrast, noise, dynamic range, high iso) between the Q and its sensor and the lx100 and its m4/3 sensor. ok, so lets say that whether this can indeed be objectively true or whether i agree or not is not relevent. however, my curiosity is indeed peaked to know whether there is any point along the sensor spectrum--apsc, FF, medium format--where Q owners can all agree that the Q's IQ as defined above does not stand up? this is interesting to me, because as a photographer for over 30 years, and having shot pretty much every camera brand in every format, i do not see much difference between m4/3 and most (not all) apsc. and though i differ, many in the photographic community whom i respect see very little difference between some apsc and FF. so, the way the conversation here is going, that means in some peoples eyes, since the Q is the equal of m4/3, m4/3 is the equal of apsc, and apsc may be the equal of FF, the Q IQ is that bloody good! so thus my question for Q elevators: is this true, and if not, at what point beyond m4/3 does it cease being true?
thanks!
I have a Q7 and a Panasonic GM1, which has a sensor similar if not identical to the LX100. I've also traveled with a friend (a professional photog) who shot with an LX100 while I shot with the Q7 and K-3 on a motorcycle trip and I've pixel peeped his shots.
Regarding the Q7 and GM1 - in good light there is practically no difference. The GM1 has 16MP vs 12MP for the Q7, but clarity, contrast, noise, and dynamic range
in good light at low/base ISO will be virtually identical. It's only when the ISO starts to rise does the GM1 begin to separate itself from the Q7. And even there, the SR of the Q7 will permit it to hold the ISO down longer than the GM1.
DxO Mark scores (the individual scores for color and dynamic range, not the composite score) support my assertion. Yes, there's a difference in color and dynamic range between the Q7 and GM1, but it's much smaller than you might expect considering the difference in sensor size.
That said, I'm not a super mega ultra pixel peeper. I get the photos ready for my publisher and send them in. My stories typically have photos from 2-3 different cameras, and there's not much in it.