Leica Q2 vs Leica Q3: read noise comparison
Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Leica Q2 8.8 e⁻ (ISO 50), Leica Q3 6.3 e⁻ (ISO 50).
Leica Q2
The Leica Q2 was measured at 11 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 51200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.
At base ISO (50) read noise is 2.50 DN, or 8.8 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 55,703 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 180.
Leica Q3
The Leica Q3 was measured at 14 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 102400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.
At base ISO (50) read noise is 1.56 DN, or 6.3 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 25600 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 31,135 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 200.
Leica Q2 vs Leica Q3 read noise table
| ISO | Leica Q2 | Leica Q3 |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 2.497 | 1.558 |
| 100 | 4.199 | 2.114 |
| 200 | 7.160 | 3.294 |
| 400 | 12.553 | 3.010 |
| 800 | 9.918 | 5.242 |
| 1600 | 19.027 | 9.918 |
| 3200 | 36.252 | 18.379 |
| 6400 | 72.505 | 36.252 |
| 12800 | 144.007 | 64.445 |
| 25600 | 272.479 | 103.250 |
| 51200 | 494.559 | 194.012 |
| 64000 | – | 238.856 |
| 80000 | – | 290.018 |
| 102400 | – | 354.588 |
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