Nikon D2Hs vs Nikon D2X: read noise comparison

The Nikon D2Hs 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 2.19 DN, or 16.1 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 30,142 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 1470.

The Nikon D2X was measured at 14 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 2.81 DN, or 14 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 100 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 20,481 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 500.