Sensor and image quality of Nikon D800(e) and Sony Alpha 7R

[lukaswerth]

The Nikon and the Sony have, I understand, the same sensor. I own the Nikon d800e, and I am more than pleased with the sensor quality. A question I couldn't find addressed in reviews is: do the two sensors also behave in (more or less) the same way in the two cameras? How much does raw file quality depend on camera software, how much on the hardware? Dpreview states a slight (probably negligible) difference in image quality, but what they don't say is whether it is possible, for instance, to pull out the same amount of shadow detail with the Sony as with the Nikon.

Also, does anyone know how well adapters for other lenses work with the Sony?

I ask this question because I might consider the Sony as a second camera at one time if the sensor works compatible to my Nikon, because there is just this one lens which is offered by Canon but not by Nikon, and, I understand, you can't adapt Canon lenses to Nikon...

Lukas

[AB26]

Lukas,

From what I understand is that the image processor makes a heck of a difference to what a sensor can produce as far as image quality is concerned.

The firmware determines what the sensor can and cannot do. The sensor in the D800 is most probably designed with Nikon specs. It might be the “same” sensor as that of the 7R but it is “driven” by a different processor and firmware from that of the Sony.

If for any reason you wish to use any adaptor you should not be concerned about difference in image quality between the Sony and Nikon. The adaptor will reduce the quality, the lens can produce, by more than the difference in image sensor reproduction between different cameras.

Rather stick to the brand if you want the best quality the brand can produce.

[Black Pearl]

Adapters for mirrorless bodies don't usually lower the quality as generally they are just empty tubes that convert one mount to another and replicate the missing mirror box so SLR lenses focus correctly.

Lukas you will find RAW files on the net from the Sony. Pull some down and have a fiddle using your usual work flow.

[NorthernFocus]

Thom Hogan did a fairly decent writeup on this topic. I'd provide the link but I'm too lazy to go look it up for you just now. Visit his site and you'll find it quick enough in a search. In general as I recall he indicated that there was a noticable difference in IQ.

Regarding the adapters, as noted in the prior post they don't introduce any additional glass. Which means that theoretically they wouldn't degrade IQ. Theoretically. They do introduce another mechanical joint and therefore an additiona source of potential misalignment which manifests itself as degraded IQ. The price of such devices is suggestive of the manufacturing precision. So if one does elect to go that route, don't go cheap.

[Manfred M]

I also remember reading a review that was plainly disappointed in the results from the Sony, in spite of it being a newer version of the same sensor as the D800. If I can find the link again, I will post it.

There is a rumour out that Nikon will be introducing a D800(E) replacement later on this month, so that might be worth investigating too.

[lukaswerth]

I also remember reading a review that was plainly disappointed in the results from the Sony, in spite of it being a newer version of the same sensor as the D800. If I can find the link again, I will post it.

There is a rumour out that Nikon will be introducing a D800(E) replacement later on this month, so that might be worth investigating too.

Yeah, I have read about that, too. The thing is, if I am honest, my thoughts about the Sony boil down to one and only one reason: there is this 17mm PC lens from Canon which cannot be adapted to a Nikon. Such a lens I would dearly like to use, but it cannot be adapted to a Nikon.

Other than that, I am more than happy with my d800e, and unless there is a serious sensor upgrade, I don't see why I should get a d800s or something likewise.

Lukas

[NorthernFocus]

...Other than that, I am more than happy with my d800e, and unless there is a serious sensor upgrade, I don't see why I should get a d800s or something likewise...

Far and away the best camera made by Nikon IMO. IQ is so good that I often accept the limitation in fps as the lesser of the evils. Hopefully with the newer version they will simply eliminate the AA filter rather than reversing its effect like they did with the E version. If they increase frame rate to 6fps and get another stop of ISO, I fear they will get my money yet again