High ISO Photography

IMG_3662
Originally uploaded by dehmystic.

This was shot at 3200 ISO at f/1.4 using my Canon 50mm. Although it's a bit soft when you look at it at 100%, I think it is vary acceptable as a snapshot. If I would have shot this with flash, it would have been tack sharp but I would have lost all the background detail. I have done some experimentation with flash diffusers, and although they make for a MUCH better image, you can't beat available light.

What I am trying to say is that I am glad to have the option of 3200 ISO. The only real processing I did was to adjust the levels, fix the white balance and do some noise reduction.

On the topic of high ISO, I have been hearing rumors about the next generation of 5D (Mark II/6D?). The biggest improvement in my opinion is the enhanced 12800 ISO mode which is said to produce results in line with the current 800 ISO setting. Between that and the 14bit color depth, I just might be willing to upgrade....... It would be great to have a full frame body. It's about time Canon produced some competition for Nikon's D3 and D300.