5D3 Vs K-5 ISO Shootout (100 to 25600)

Shooting conditions:-

1. 5D3+EF50/1.8 II, Latest Firmware (1.1.2), All Factory Default Settings (Picture Style Standard 3, 0, 0, 0), Auto White Balance, Av Exposure Mode at f/8, Evaluative Metering with No Exp. Comp., One-shot AF / Central AF point, 2 sec. Timer on Tripod, Large Fine JPEG;

2. K-5+DA35/2.4, Latest Firmware (1.13), All Factory Default Settings (Picture Style Bright 0, 0, 0, 1, 1 (Sharpness)), Auto White Balance, Av Exposure Mode at f/8, Evaluative Metering with No Exp. Comp., Single AF / Central AF point, 2 sec. Timer on Tripod (SR Off), Large Fine JPEG.

Images of both cameras are resized to 3,999 pixels in width and are linked below, click any of the following to download and view the specific large-sized picture:-

5D3	K-5
100	100
200	200
400	400
800	800
1600	1600
3200	3200
6400	6400
12800	12800
25600	25600 (Expanded)

Still, if you want to access and assess the original un-retouched samples, you can go here:-

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v313/RiceHigh/5Ds/5D3_Vs_K-5/

One thing to note is that the exposure level and focusing accuracy varies with the 5D3. The K-5 is more stable and consistent there for both, in contrast. It seems that whilst the 5D3's AF is really very fast, its accuracy and consistency is in doubt.