Nikon D300 vs Nikon D300S: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D300 9.2 e⁻ (ISO 160), Nikon D300S 12.7 e⁻ (ISO 160).

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 D300S

The Nikon D300S 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 7.78 DN, or 12.7 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 500 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 26,736 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 260.

Nikon D300 vs Nikon D300S read noise table

ISO	Nikon D300	Nikon D300S
100	6.453	8.112
125	6.498	8.000
160	6.727	7.781
200	7.674	9.318
250	8.877	10.411
320	10.267	11.632
400	12.295	14.026
500	15.032	16.111
640	18.126	19.698
800	22.009	24.251
1000	27.096	29.041
1250	33.591	36.002
1600	41.355	44.632
2000	52.710	56.886
2500	65.345	72.004
3200	82.711	89.264
4000	103.968	112.986
5000	130.690	143.013
6400	164.279	178.527

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