Nikon Z 50 vs Nikon Z 5II: read noise comparison

The Nikon Z 50 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 1.44 DN, or 4.7 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 400, cutting input-referred read noise by about 0.8 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 49,634 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 320.

The Nikon Z 5II was measured at 36 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 1.65 DN, or 8.8 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 800, cutting input-referred read noise by about 1.6 stop. From ISO 16000 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 64000 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 82,742 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 540.