Canon EOS R50 vs Canon EOS R6: read noise comparison

The Canon EOS R50 was measured at 26 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 32000. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.99 DN, or 4.3 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 6400 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 34,577 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 220.

The Canon EOS R6 was measured at 31 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 102400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.21 DN, or 7.6 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 400, cutting input-referred read noise by about 1.2 stop. From ISO 6400 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 51200 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 100,012 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 630.