Nikon D90 vs Nikon Z 30: read noise comparison

The Nikon D90 was measured at 19 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (160) read noise is 1.17 DN, or 8.5 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 320 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 29,595 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 1150.

The Nikon Z 30 was measured at 30 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 204800. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.41 DN, or 4.2 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 400, cutting input-referred read noise by about 0.9 stop. From ISO 12800 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 51200 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 45,225 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 290.