Nikon D300 vs Nikon D3000: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D300 9.2 e⁻ (ISO 160), Nikon D3000 17.4 e⁻ (ISO 100).

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 D3000

The Nikon D3000 was measured at 6 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 2.33 DN, or 17.4 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 30,505 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 750.

Nikon D300 vs Nikon D3000 read noise table

ISO	Nikon D300	Nikon D3000
100	6.453	2.329
125	6.498	–
160	6.727	–
200	7.674	3.706
250	8.877	–
320	10.267	–
400	12.295	6.453
500	15.032	–
640	18.126	–
800	22.009	12.295
1000	27.096	–
1250	33.591	–
1600	41.355	24.761
2000	52.710	–
2500	65.345	–
3200	82.711	49.522
4000	103.968	–
5000	130.690	–
6400	164.279	–

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