5D2 RAW "Crosshatch" Banding

[scrappydog]

I am going to buy a 5d2 because I don't see significant improvements in the 5d3 sensor at least at these iso ratings I'm likely to use a lot.

I think you will enjoy shooting with the 5D2.  The menus and the AF system are nearly identical to the 60D.  The body is a little bigger and heavier, and the loss of the swivel screen sucks.  However, the depth of field, the ability to shoot clean and nicely resolved ISO 1600 shots, and the light rolloff make the purchase worthwhile.  Under the CLP program, the 5D2 can be had for $1,500, which is a steal compared to the 5D3.

[Drizzt321]

I can dig out a couple of photos from that evening and post some full res JPEGs if you'd like.

Yes, some samples would be interesting, esp. if the 5d2 shows banding @3200 or even @1600 and the 5d3 doesn't. Atm I am going to buy a 5d2 because I don't see significant improvements in the 5d3 sensor at least at these iso ratings I'm likely to use a lot.

Alright, let me dig them out tonight after I get home. I think there are some improvements to the 5d3 sensor, such as gapless microlenses, but as you say, probably not as much as marketing is making out. The larger number of read lines and improved initial processing probably make a difference.

I think it's just a bunch of small tiny improvements that make it look (to me at least) like there's a decent improvement in image quality (leaving aside DR) at super high ISOs. Just being able to get a pretty usable image at ISO 6400+ with decent shutter speeds (f/4, 1/80+) is pretty awesome, don't you agree? All depends on your use case of course.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

If you have to use plus 3 EV to see it, its not a issue.  It does depend a lot on the exposure, I usually expose raw images to the right, this allows you to pull down the exposure rather than boost it.
My 5D MK III was a little better in this regard, but you can still pull it up 5 EV and see the sensor.

[Kernuak]

I see less banding on my 7D than on my 5D MkII (and much less than my 40D had), although overall, it is noisier. From the short test I did with the 5d MkIII, there is a significant improvement in high ISO noise, perhaps a stop or so. However, I tend to slightly overexpose and rarely have problems with banding on my 5D MkII at low ISO. Any shadow noise is usually minimal and irrelevant in print, the exceptions (apart form when I've underexposed) is in long exposures (i.e. 20+ minutes), where most digital sensors start to get problems. It's probably one area where film is still better in terms of overall image quality. Some of the noise is due to heating up of the electronics, so there is an argument for boosting the ISO and reducing the exposure times.

[dryanparker]

If you have to use plus 3 EV to see it, its not a issue.  It does depend a lot on the exposure, I usually expose raw images to the right, this allows you to pull down the exposure rather than boost it.
My 5D MK III was a little better in this regard, but you can still pull it up 5 EV and see the sensor.

Well, it's present and visible in the untouched RAW file at ISO 100. I pushed to +3EV simply to show the pattern.