Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D300S: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D3000 17.4 e⁻ (ISO 100), Nikon D300S 12.7 e⁻ (ISO 160).

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 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 D3000 vs Nikon D300S read noise table

ISO	Nikon D3000	Nikon D300S
100	2.329	8.112
125	–	8.000
160	–	7.781
200	3.706	9.318
250	–	10.411
320	–	11.632
400	6.453	14.026
500	–	16.111
640	–	19.698
800	12.295	24.251
1000	–	29.041
1250	–	36.002
1600	24.761	44.632
2000	–	56.886
2500	–	72.004
3200	49.522	89.264
4000	–	112.986
5000	–	143.013
6400	–	178.527

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