Leica Q3 vs Sony a7R V: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Leica Q3 6.3 e⁻ (ISO 50), Sony a7R V 3.4 e⁻ (ISO 100).

Dual gain: Leica Q3 none, Sony a7R V ISO 320.

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.

Sony a7R V

The Sony a7R V (ILCE-7RM5) was measured at 34 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 102400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.46 DN, or 3.4 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 320, cutting input-referred read noise by about 1.1 stop. From ISO 500 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 12800 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 36,950 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 230.

Leica Q3 vs Sony a7R V read noise table

ISO	Leica Q3	Sony a7R V
50	1.558	1.474
64	–	1.778
80	–	2.219
100	2.114	1.464
125	–	1.828
160	–	2.158
200	3.294	2.770
250	–	3.434
320	–	2.014
400	3.010	2.549
500	–	3.053
640	–	3.837
800	5.242	4.757
1000	–	6.105
1250	–	7.464
1600	9.918	9.781
2000	–	11.713
2500	–	14.929
3200	18.379	18.252
4000	–	23.425
5000	–	28.443
6400	36.252	35.261
8000	–	44.017
10000	–	52.346
12800	64.445	66.257
16000	–	61.393
20000	–	75.584
25600	103.250	91.773
32000	–	112.206
40000	–	137.187
51200	194.012	171.255
64000	238.856	215.269
80000	290.018	263.197
102400	354.588	340.144

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