Nikon D300S vs Nikon D3100: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D300S 12.7 e⁻ (ISO 160), Nikon D3100 18.3 e⁻ (ISO 100).

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 D3100

The Nikon D3100 was measured at 8 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 12800. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 2.30 DN, or 18.3 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 1600 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 3200 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 32,473 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 790.

Nikon D300S vs Nikon D3100 read noise table

ISO	Nikon D300S	Nikon D3100
100	8.112	2.297
125	8.000	–
160	7.781	–
200	9.318	2.445
250	10.411	–
320	11.632	–
400	14.026	2.462
500	16.111	–
640	19.698	–
800	24.251	3.204
1000	29.041	–
1250	36.002	–
1600	44.632	5.242
2000	56.886	–
2500	72.004	–
3200	89.264	10.483
4000	112.986	–
5000	143.013	–
6400	178.527	20.966
12800	–	41.933

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