Nikon Df vs Nikon Z 5: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Nikon Df 15.7 e⁻ (ISO 100), Nikon Z 5 4.4 e⁻ (ISO 100).

Nikon Df

The Nikon Df was measured at 31 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 204800. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 2.08 DN, or 15.7 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 10000 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 25600 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 123,451 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 750.

Nikon Z 5

The Nikon Z 5 was measured at 34 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 102400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 0.99 DN, or 4.4 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 10000 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 69,219 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 450.

Nikon Df vs Nikon Z 5 read noise table

ISO	Nikon Df	Nikon Z 5
50	2.085	0.986
64	2.085	0.993
80	2.204	0.986
100	2.085	0.986
125	2.329	1.165
160	2.266	1.404
200	2.173	1.682
250	2.412	2.028
320	2.657	2.479
400	2.828	2.990
500	3.317	3.630
640	3.864	4.347
800	4.408	5.389
1000	5.134	6.409
1250	6.105	7.727
1600	6.543	9.580
2000	7.890	12.042
2500	9.448	15.348
3200	11.794	16.111
4000	14.320	19.562
5000	18.126	23.588
6400	20.678	29.041
8000	25.992	36.252
10000	30.696	45.255
12800	38.586	56.493
16000	45.255	60.969
20000	52.346	77.172
25600	66.718	96.336
32000	–	121.938
40000	–	153.277
51200	133.436	194.012
64000	–	245.572
80000	–	308.687
102400	265.028	385.343
204800	533.742	–

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