Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D3S 25.1 e⁻ (ISO 200), Nikon D3X 5.9 e⁻ (ISO 100).

Nikon D3S

The Nikon D3S was measured at 27 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 102400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (200) read noise is 5.13 DN, or 25.1 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 4000 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 12800 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 79,811 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 970.

Nikon D3X

The Nikon D3X was measured at 20 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 6400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 2.06 DN, or 5.9 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 200 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 46,773 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 280.

Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X read noise table

ISO	Nikon D3S	Nikon D3X
50	–	2.056
64	–	2.056
80	–	2.056
100	5.134	2.056
125	5.134	2.770
160	5.134	3.458
200	5.134	2.828
250	6.409	3.555
320	8.112	4.724
400	5.389	5.979
500	6.727	7.111
640	8.515	8.877
800	6.063	11.236
1000	7.568	13.929
1250	9.514	17.509
1600	8.225	21.706
2000	10.339	27.096
2500	13.086	34.060
3200	11.713	42.814
4000	14.621	–
5000	18.507	–
6400	19.562	86.823
8000	24.590	–
10000	31.125	–
12800	39.124	–
16000	34.535	–
20000	43.411	–
25600	54.569	–
51200	109.137	–
102400	216.767	–

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