Nikon D800 vs Nikon D800E: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D800 3.4 e⁻ (ISO 100), Nikon D800E 3.3 e⁻ (ISO 100).

Nikon D800

The Nikon D800 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 1.04 DN, or 3.4 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 53,554 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 330.

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 D800 vs Nikon D800E read noise table

ISO	Nikon D800	Nikon D800E
50	1.042	0.966
64	1.035	0.966
80	1.035	0.966
100	1.035	0.966
125	1.181	1.117
160	1.444	1.357
200	1.729	1.636
250	2.114	1.986
320	2.732	2.428
400	3.364	3.117
500	4.228	3.811
640	5.169	4.757
800	6.320	5.816
1000	7.727	7.111
1250	9.448	8.815
1600	11.392	10.629
2000	14.221	13.177
2500	18.379	16.912
3200	23.425	22.009
4000	29.243	27.096
5000	36.758	34.060
6400	46.527	43.411
8000	51.268	47.177
10000	64.893	59.714
12800	83.286	76.639
25600	166.572	154.343

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