Nikon Z 5II vs Nikon Z 6: read noise comparison

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.

The Nikon Z 6 was measured at 35 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 1.32 DN, or 6.9 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 800, cutting input-referred read noise by about 1.7 stop. From ISO 16000 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 80,359 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 520.