Nikon D3X vs Nikon D4: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D3X 5.9 e⁻ (ISO 100), Nikon D4 16.2 e⁻ (ISO 100).

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 D4

The Nikon D4 was measured at 31 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 204800. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 2.25 DN, or 16.2 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 10000 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 25600 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 118,209 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 720.

Nikon D3X vs Nikon D4 read noise table

ISO	Nikon D3X	Nikon D4
50	2.056	2.114
64	2.056	2.099
80	2.056	2.114
100	2.056	2.250
125	2.770	2.235
160	3.458	2.479
200	2.828	2.313
250	3.555	2.445
320	4.724	2.603
400	5.979	2.928
500	7.111	3.249
640	8.877	3.837
800	11.236	4.317
1000	13.929	5.169
1250	17.509	6.233
1600	21.706	6.774
2000	27.096	8.056
2500	34.060	9.580
3200	42.814	12.126
4000	–	14.723
5000	–	18.765
6400	86.823	21.112
8000	–	26.909
10000	–	30.910
12800	–	38.854
16000	–	46.206
20000	–	53.446
25600	–	67.649
51200	–	134.364
102400	–	268.727
204800	–	537.455

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