Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II vs Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 25.6 e⁻ (ISO 100), Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III 18 e⁻ (ISO 100).

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II

The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II was measured at 15 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 3200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 2.00 DN, or 25.6 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 800 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 50,866 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 1280.

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III

The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III was measured at 15 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 3200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 5.46 DN, or 18 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 800 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 50,669 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 330.

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II vs Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III read noise table

ISO	Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II	Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III
50	1.741	5.464
100	2.000	5.464
125	2.329	6.727
160	2.789	8.112
200	2.099	5.979
250	2.532	7.413
320	3.031	8.938
400	2.462	7.516
500	2.949	9.383
640	3.580	11.314
800	3.340	11.392
1000	4.228	14.420
1250	5.169	18.126
1600	6.498	19.973
3200	12.641	40.224

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