Nikon D80 vs Nikon D800E: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D80 15.2 e⁻ (ISO 100), Nikon D800E 3.3 e⁻ (ISO 100).

Nikon D80

The Nikon D80 was measured at 16 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 2.39 DN, or 15.2 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 100 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 640 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 25,971 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 630.

Nikon D800E

The Nikon D800E 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 0.97 DN, or 3.3 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 55,563 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 340.

Nikon D80 vs Nikon D800E read noise table

ISO	Nikon D80	Nikon D800E
50	–	0.966
64	–	0.966
80	–	0.966
100	2.395	0.966
125	2.888	1.117
160	3.531	1.357
200	4.408	1.636
250	5.618	1.986
320	7.111	2.428
400	9.126	3.117
500	11.713	3.811
640	14.723	4.757
800	14.320	5.816
1000	18.252	7.111
1250	23.425	8.815
1600	29.446	10.629
2000	36.504	13.177
2500	46.851	16.912
3200	58.892	22.009
4000	–	27.096
5000	–	34.060
6400	–	43.411
8000	–	47.177
10000	–	59.714
12800	–	76.639
25600	–	154.343

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