Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D5200: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D5100 3.4 e⁻ (ISO 100), Nikon D5200 2.8 e⁻ (ISO 100).

Nikon D5100

The Nikon D5100 was measured at 23 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.28 DN, or 3.4 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 320 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 800 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 43,464 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 270.

Nikon D5200

The Nikon D5200 was measured at 23 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.24 DN, or 2.8 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 6400 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 37,022 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 230.

Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D5200 read noise table

ISO	Nikon D5100	Nikon D5200
100	1.283	1.240
125	1.548	1.959
160	1.879	1.945
200	2.412	2.990
250	3.074	3.605
320	3.732	4.790
400	4.500	5.242
500	5.389	6.589
640	6.635	8.282
800	8.168	9.918
1000	10.267	12.467
1250	12.906	15.780
1600	16.223	19.427
2000	20.535	24.420
2500	25.634	30.910
3200	32.447	38.319
4000	41.070	48.168
5000	51.625	60.969
6400	64.445	76.639
8000	82.139	54.569
10000	102.537	69.551
12800	129.787	87.427
25600	257.781	173.645

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