Canon PowerShot G16 vs Canon PowerShot G5: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Canon PowerShot G16 2.7 e⁻ (ISO 80), Canon PowerShot G5 6.1 e⁻ (ISO 50).

Canon PowerShot G16

The Canon PowerShot G16 was measured at 23 ISO settings from ISO 80 to ISO 12800. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (80) read noise is 1.33 DN, or 2.7 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 3200 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 8,075 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 160.

Canon PowerShot G5

The Canon PowerShot G5 was measured at 4 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (50) read noise is 3.05 DN, or 6.1 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 100 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 7,951 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 100.

Canon PowerShot G16 vs Canon PowerShot G5 read noise table

ISO	Canon PowerShot G16	Canon PowerShot G5
50	–	3.053
80	1.329	–
100	1.705	5.098
125	2.000	–
160	2.479	–
200	2.949	9.646
250	3.531	–
320	4.317	–
400	5.389	18.896
500	6.409	–
640	8.000	–
800	9.918	–
1000	12.210	–
1250	15.032	–
1600	18.636	–
2000	22.785	–
2500	28.246	–
3200	34.535	–
4000	46.527	–
5000	58.892	–
6400	72.505	–
8000	86.823	–
10000	103.250	–
12800	121.938	–

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