Nikon D70 vs Nikon D700: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D70 15.4 e⁻ (ISO 200), Nikon D700 15.7 e⁻ (ISO 200).

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 D700

The Nikon D700 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 (200) read noise is 4.69 DN, or 15.7 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 800 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 54,675 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 670.

Nikon D70 vs Nikon D700 read noise table

ISO	Nikon D70	Nikon D700
100	–	4.691
125	–	4.691
160	–	4.691
200	3.204	4.691
250	3.864	5.856
320	4.627	7.260
400	5.736	5.242
500	7.013	6.543
640	8.877	8.456
800	11.004	6.543
1000	13.454	8.515
1250	16.111	10.853
1600	19.427	13.929
2000	–	17.388
2500	–	21.706
3200	–	27.284
4000	–	34.535
5000	–	43.411
6400	–	55.330
8000	–	69.071
10000	–	87.427
12800	–	110.661
25600	–	221.322

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