Nikon D50 vs Nikon D5000: read noise comparison
Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D50 12.2 e⁻ (ISO 200), Nikon D5000 7.7 e⁻ (ISO 160).
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 D5000
The Nikon D5000 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 0.97 DN, or 7.7 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 250 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 32,759 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 1270.
Nikon D50 vs Nikon D5000 read noise table
| ISO | Nikon D50 | Nikon D5000 |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | – | 0.966 |
| 125 | – | 0.959 |
| 160 | – | 0.966 |
| 200 | 2.028 | 1.000 |
| 250 | – | 1.021 |
| 320 | – | 1.292 |
| 400 | 3.630 | 1.424 |
| 500 | – | 1.905 |
| 640 | – | 2.585 |
| 800 | 7.362 | 3.095 |
| 1000 | – | 3.891 |
| 1250 | – | 4.724 |
| 1600 | 14.520 | 5.696 |
| 2000 | – | 6.409 |
| 2500 | – | 6.727 |
| 3200 | – | 7.464 |
| 4000 | – | 8.938 |
| 5000 | – | 11.158 |
| 6400 | – | 13.737 |
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