Nikon D800E vs Nikon D810A: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon D800E 3.3 e⁻ (ISO 100), Nikon D810A 4.7 e⁻ (ISO 200).

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 D810A

The Nikon D810A was measured at 26 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 51200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (200) read noise is 2.48 DN, or 4.7 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 4000 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 10000 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 29,631 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 380.

Nikon D800E vs Nikon D810A read noise table

ISO	Nikon D800E	Nikon D810A
50	0.966	–
64	0.966	–
80	0.966	–
100	0.966	2.462
125	1.117	2.445
160	1.357	2.462
200	1.636	2.479
250	1.986	2.908
320	2.428	3.458
400	3.117	4.112
500	3.811	4.891
640	4.757	6.063
800	5.816	7.111
1000	7.111	8.574
1250	8.815	10.411
1600	10.629	12.467
2000	13.177	15.348
2500	16.912	18.507
3200	22.009	21.556
4000	27.096	25.281
5000	34.060	30.910
6400	43.411	37.271
8000	47.177	44.942
10000	59.714	55.715
12800	76.639	75.584
16000	–	89.264
20000	–	109.896
25600	154.343	146.018
51200	–	282.088

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