Nikon 1 AW1 vs Nikon 1 J3: read noise comparison

The Nikon 1 AW1 was measured at 7 ISO settings from ISO 160 to ISO 6400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (160) read noise is 6.15 DN, or 16.7 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 1600 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 11,141 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 430.

The Nikon 1 J3 was measured at 7 ISO settings from ISO 160 to ISO 6400. Values were derived by Bill Claff from DxOMark lab data.

At base ISO (160) read noise is 2.45 DN. From ISO 3200 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise.