Nikon D1X vs Nikon D2H: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D1X 17 e⁻ (ISO 125), Nikon D2H 11 e⁻ (ISO 200).

Nikon D1X

The Nikon D1X was measured at 11 ISO settings from ISO 125 to ISO 3200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (125) read noise is 2.17 DN, or 17 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 160 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 800 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 32,107 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 980.

Nikon D2H

The Nikon D2H was measured at 12 ISO settings from ISO 200 to ISO 6400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (200) read noise is 2.75 DN, or 11 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 640 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 16,402 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 800.

Nikon D1X vs Nikon D2H read noise table

ISO	Nikon D1X	Nikon D2H
125	2.173	–
160	2.549	–
200	3.182	2.751
250	3.811	3.434
320	4.691	4.757
400	5.897	5.938
500	7.311	7.362
640	9.318	9.063
800	11.392	11.004
1000	–	12.906
1250	–	15.562
1600	22.785	19.293
3200	45.570	38.854
6400	–	77.708

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