Thursday, March 20, 2008

Megapixel Wars

It is still confusing... Is megapixel everything?

Megapixel comes with dpi (dots per inch). Megapixel is an unit to measure how many pixels per width and length is a photograph. It determines print size !!! that's it.
An example: If a photo is 600 by 800 pixels, it is 600x800=480.000 pixels which is called 0,5 megapixel photo. This size photo can not be printed on a 9x13 paper without any magnifiny on the photo which shows corners of pixel dots.

Megapixel does not show the quality or sharpness of a photo. It only shows how big is the picture...

Picture quality depends on processor, sensor, lens...

If you buy a 3 mp compact camera and think that it will shoot better photos then a small fine jpeg shot (appx 2.5 megapixel) of an D200, you are far beyond reality.

Here are some charts to understand better.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Lens Review - nikon AF nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

nikon nikkor AF 50 mm f/1.4D (1995 Release) FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a FX format lens, so you can both use them on typical SLR 35 mm cameras and D-SLRs. But on a D-SLR camera, it will effect like 75mm.
Aperture: f/1.4 . Seven-bladed diaphragm stopping down to f/16
Optics: 7 elements in 6 groups. No ED glass elements or aspherical elements.
Closest Focus: 45 cm
Macro Ratio: 1:6.8
Filter size: 52mm Non-rotating
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, HR-2 Lens Hood optional . CL-30S Lens case is optional.
Dimensions: 64.5 mm diameter. Length is 42.5 mm.
Weight: 230 grams

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 has a small barrel distortion of 0,50% , relatively high but nothing to worry in field conditions. Vignetting is very well controlled even at widest aperture setting of f/1.4. At f/2.8, vignetting is negligible. MTF Resolution results are excellent between f/2.8 - f/8. At wide apertures, center resolution id very good, but extreme borders are soft. Chromatic Aberrations are very well controlled. only at f/5.6-8 increases but still not field relevant.

PAY ATTENTION :
- Lens hood is optional.
- Lens has not silent motor, maybe disturbing
- Length change during focusing is annoying
- Corner resolutions are low at widest apertures
VERDICT : It is a lens you must carry in your bag for no light conditions. At least i do so. It has small defects but still an indispensible lens you have to carry in your lowepro. Highly Recommended (9/10)

MY SAMPLE SHOTS :