Nikon D40X vs Nikon D5: read noise comparison
Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D40X 17.8 e⁻ (ISO 100), Nikon D5 43.7 e⁻ (ISO 100).
Nikon D40X
The Nikon D40X 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 2.17 DN, or 17.8 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 33,411 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 820.
Nikon D5
The Nikon D5 was measured at 41 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 3276800. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.
At base ISO (100) read noise is 5.58 DN, or 43.7 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 102400 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 124,927 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 780.
Nikon D40X vs Nikon D5 read noise table
| ISO | Nikon D40X | Nikon D5 |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | – | 5.540 |
| 64 | – | 5.579 |
| 80 | – | 5.579 |
| 100 | 2.173 | 5.579 |
| 125 | – | 7.013 |
| 160 | – | 8.815 |
| 200 | 3.482 | 5.816 |
| 250 | – | 7.260 |
| 320 | – | 9.063 |
| 400 | 6.233 | 6.635 |
| 500 | – | 8.168 |
| 640 | – | 7.013 |
| 800 | 11.551 | 8.877 |
| 1000 | – | 10.703 |
| 1250 | – | 7.311 |
| 1600 | 23.264 | 9.126 |
| 2000 | – | 11.314 |
| 2500 | – | 8.515 |
| 3200 | 46.527 | 10.703 |
| 4000 | – | 13.269 |
| 5000 | – | 11.472 |
| 6400 | – | 14.320 |
| 8000 | – | 17.877 |
| 10000 | – | 18.252 |
| 12800 | – | 22.943 |
| 16000 | – | 28.443 |
| 20000 | – | 36.504 |
| 25600 | – | 45.570 |
| 32000 | – | 56.886 |
| 40000 | – | 73.009 |
| 51200 | – | 91.139 |
| 64000 | – | 113.772 |
| 80000 | – | 142.025 |
| 102400 | – | 177.294 |
| 128000 | – | 213.783 |
| 160000 | – | 261.379 |
| 204800 | – | 315.173 |
| 409600 | – | 544.958 |
| 819200 | – | 929.300 |
| 1638400 | – | 1,770.572 |
| 3276800 | – | 3,258.517 |
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