Leica M9 vs Leica Q (Typ 116): read noise comparison

The Leica M9 was measured at 14 ISO settings from ISO 80 to ISO 2500. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (160) read noise is 7.62 DN, or 15.2 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 320 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 32,788 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 320.

The Leica Q (Typ 116) was measured at 10 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 51200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 3.97 DN, or 10.2 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 400, cutting input-referred read noise by about 2.3 stop. From ISO 800 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 6400 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 40,864 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 260.