Nikon D2Xs vs Nikon D300: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D2Xs 13.8 e⁻ (ISO 100), Nikon D300 9.2 e⁻ (ISO 160).

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 D300

The Nikon D300 was measured at 19 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (160) read noise is 6.73 DN, or 9.2 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 400 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 22,292 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 220.

Nikon D2Xs vs Nikon D300 read noise table

ISO	Nikon D2Xs	Nikon D300
100	2.770	6.453
125	3.364	6.498
160	4.257	6.727
200	5.315	7.674
250	6.543	8.877
320	8.112	10.267
400	10.126	12.295
500	12.553	15.032
640	15.671	18.126
800	19.973	22.009
1000	24.933	27.096
1250	31.125	33.591
1600	39.671	41.355
2000	–	52.710
2500	–	65.345
3200	79.341	82.711
4000	–	103.968
5000	–	130.690
6400	–	164.279

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