Nikon D600 vs Nikon D70: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D600 4.1 e⁻ (ISO 100), Nikon D70 15.4 e⁻ (ISO 200).

Nikon D600

The Nikon D600 was measured at 26 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 25600. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 0.86 DN, or 4.1 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 77,476 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 470.

Nikon D70

The Nikon D70 was measured at 10 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 3.20 DN, or 15.4 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 800 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 19,646 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 960.

Nikon D600 vs Nikon D70 read noise table

ISO	Nikon D600	Nikon D70
50	0.865	–
64	0.859	–
80	0.859	–
100	0.865	–
125	1.021	–
160	1.223	–
200	1.434	3.204
250	1.717	3.864
320	2.346	4.627
400	2.828	5.736
500	3.458	7.013
640	4.141	8.877
800	5.028	11.004
1000	6.063	13.454
1250	7.621	16.111
1600	9.580	19.427
2000	12.042	–
2500	15.032	–
3200	18.896	–
4000	23.752	–
5000	29.857	–
6400	37.792	–
8000	41.933	–
10000	52.346	–
12800	67.182	–
25600	133.436	–

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