TREN
Nikon D300S read noise vs ISO
The Nikon D300S was measured at 19 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.
At base ISO (160) read noise is 7.78 DN, or 12.7 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 500 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 1600 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 26,736 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 260.
Nikon D300S read noise table
| ISO | Read noise (DN) | log₂ |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | ○ 8.112 | 3.02 |
| 125 | ○ 8.000 | 3.00 |
| 160 | 7.781 | 2.96 |
| 200 | 9.318 | 3.22 |
| 250 | 10.411 | 3.38 |
| 320 | 11.632 | 3.54 |
| 400 | 14.026 | 3.81 |
| 500 | 16.111 | 4.01 |
| 640 | 19.698 | 4.30 |
| 800 | 24.251 | 4.60 |
| 1000 | 29.041 | 4.86 |
| 1250 | 36.002 | 5.17 |
| 1600 | 44.632 | 5.48 |
| 2000 | ○ 56.886 | 5.83 |
| 2500 | ○ 72.004 | 6.17 |
| 3200 | ○ 89.264 | 6.48 |
| 4000 | ○ 112.986 | 6.82 |
| 5000 | ○ 143.013 | 7.16 |
| 6400 | ○ 178.527 | 7.48 |