Nikon D4S vs Nikon D50: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D4S 15 e⁻ (ISO 100), Nikon D50 12.2 e⁻ (ISO 200).

Nikon D4S

The Nikon D4S was measured at 34 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 409600. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 2.07 DN, or 15 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 6400 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 113,218 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 730.

Nikon D50

The Nikon D50 was measured at 4 ISO settings from ISO 200 to ISO 1600. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (200) read noise is 2.03 DN, or 12.2 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 200 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 24,559 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 1200.

Nikon D4S vs Nikon D50 read noise table

ISO	Nikon D4S	Nikon D50
50	2.129	–
64	2.114	–
80	2.099	–
100	2.071	–
125	2.173	–
160	2.346	–
200	2.056	2.028
250	2.204	–
320	2.378	–
400	2.497	3.630
500	2.713	–
640	3.053	–
800	3.411	7.362
1000	4.000	–
1250	4.659	–
1600	5.816	14.520
2000	6.727	–
2500	7.945	–
3200	9.646	–
4000	11.876	–
5000	15.242	–
6400	16.679	–
8000	21.556	–
10000	24.590	–
12800	31.125	–
16000	39.124	–
20000	51.625	–
25600	63.558	–
32000	75.584	–
40000	94.353	–
51200	119.428	–
102400	240.518	–
204800	464.650	–
409600	797.865	–

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