Nikon D300S vs Nikon D3200: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D300S 12.7 e⁻ (ISO 160), Nikon D3200 4.4 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 D3200

The Nikon D3200 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 0.63 DN, or 4.4 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 6400 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 28,739 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 700.

Nikon D300S vs Nikon D3200 read noise table

ISO	Nikon D300S	Nikon D3200
100	8.112	0.629
125	8.000	–
160	7.781	–
200	9.318	0.790
250	10.411	–
320	11.632	–
400	14.026	1.474
500	16.111	–
640	19.698	–
800	24.251	2.497
1000	29.041	–
1250	36.002	–
1600	44.632	4.000
2000	56.886	–
2500	72.004	–
3200	89.264	7.413
4000	112.986	–
5000	143.013	–
6400	178.527	15.137
12800	–	30.274

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