Nikon D2Xs vs Nikon D3: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D2Xs 13.8 e⁻ (ISO 100), Nikon D3 15 e⁻ (ISO 200).

Nikon D2Xs

The Nikon D2Xs 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 2.77 DN, or 13.8 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.

Nikon D3

The Nikon D3 was measured at 23 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (200) read noise is 4.41 DN, or 15 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 6400 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 55,816 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 680.

Nikon D2Xs vs Nikon D3 read noise table

ISO	Nikon D2Xs	Nikon D3
100	2.770	4.408
125	3.364	4.408
160	4.257	4.408
200	5.315	4.408
250	6.543	5.856
320	8.112	7.568
400	10.126	4.993
500	12.553	6.635
640	15.671	8.456
800	19.973	6.498
1000	24.933	8.340
1250	31.125	10.411
1600	39.671	13.086
2000	–	16.564
2500	–	20.966
3200	79.341	26.355
4000	–	33.359
5000	–	42.224
6400	–	53.446
8000	–	66.718
10000	–	84.449
12800	–	106.891
25600	–	213.783

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