Do You Prefer Rendering Of "Vintage" Nikon Cameras To "Modern" Nikon Cameras?

[John Geerts]

The second is also sharper, so that could be the Zf.  First one looks like the D1x

[MEPER]

Yes, 2nd has more resolution and less artifacts so must be Zf :-)

[Akira]

D1x first, because of the jagged lines on the roof rails?

Ditto!

[ColinM]

For many scenes, the difference isn't that great.

I'm concerned
For the last 5 months, nearly all the photos Birna has taken in Noway have contained snow.
Suddenly these don't.

Bright sunshine in each image seems suspicious!
 

[Birna Rørslett]

Yes, you are correct, Bruno. However, if such delibate attempt to disclose the nature of sensor had been avoided, telling the two cameras apart -- based on the sensor outcome - had been more difficult. Given they are separated by two decades of techology development, that is some food for thought.

[Birna Rørslett]

Colin, we had the last snowfall three days ago .... however, any snow will very quickly disappear as night temperatures have climbed above the freezing point.

[Bruno Schroder]

I agree Birna, I had to look for a clue. Without the question, I would probably not have noticed the difference.
BTW, this thread, particularly the comments about the colors, made me look for a D1x, which I just found at 50€. I’m eagerly waiting to use it.

[Birna Rørslett]

You'll need a charger and working batteries as well I gave up finding my old MH-16 charger, only found a car charger, on first search. So purchased a MH-15 and 2*Li-Ion battery packs for a total of (equivalent) 120 Euro. I already had the camera, plus the various other D1/D2 versions. For the D2H/X I have chargers and batteries, just remains to test the packs are in working order. Hopes are not very high and if they fail to charge properly, I let my revival of the vintage Nikons end with the D1X.

It's interesting to put modern AFS/G lenses on the D1X and learn they work -- now, that is backwards compatibility !!

[Bruno Schroder]

The body comes with a  charger which used to work till the battery died and I found another original charger and 3 batteries, one original declared dead by the seller but with two replacements working. Testing scheduled for next week, I’m visiting a friend in Provence this week.

[Bruno Schroder]

Comparing the D1x and the D500. Same lens, ISO, stop, speed, exposure compensation, WB. Pictures taken handheld right after moving the lens to the other body.
Two differences though: AdobeRGB on D1x and sRGB on D500, which I notived after the fact, and Picture control: NXStudio only has Original Value for the D1x (Hue adjustment was set to 1 FWIW). I first used Standard on the D500 then D500 Neutral as 3rd picture

[Akira]

Comparing the D1x and the D500. Same lens, ISO, stop, speed, exposure compensation, WB. Pictures taken handheld right after moving the lens to the other body.
Two differences though: AdobeRGB on D1x and sRGB on D500, which I notived after the fact, and Picture control: NXStudio only has Original Value for the D1x (Hue adjustment was set to 1 FWIW). I first used Standard on the D500 then D500 Neutral as 3rd picture

Interestingly, D1x in AdobeRGB looks more vivid than D500 in sRGB, which can be counter-intuitive?   The translucent petals of the D500 Neutral image look pleasing.

[Dogman]

To my eyes the D1x looks lush.  The D500's pumped up contrast doesn't do justice to the subject.  The third image just looks flat.

[Bruno Schroder]

I also prefer the D1x image but to compare on an as much as possible equivalent basis, I did not edit the picture, except for the exposure compensation and a bit of sharpening, the same amounts for all pictures.
I’m not a fan of the Standard Picture Control. I usually shoot Neutral and adjust in post, which I didn’t do here. I also have no idea of what the D1x hue parameter means but Standard and Neutral looked closest to me. I’ll test further, varying it.
I am also surprised by the strong difference in the greens, I did not expect that much of a change.

[MEPER]

Image no. 2 has a yellow color cast. 1 and 3 are more equal regarding color. Why is no. 2 so yellow?
Image no. 3 has less contrast (much more "black" in no. 1 than no. 3). The histograms should show the differences?

[John Geerts]

Nikon D1x  AF-D 50/1.4