Nikon Z 8 vs Sony a7R V: read noise comparison

The Nikon Z 8 was measured at 34 ISO settings from ISO 32 to ISO 102400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (64) read noise is 1.99 DN, or 7 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 500, cutting input-referred read noise by about 2.1 stop. From ISO 800 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 54,323 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 220.

The Sony a7R V (ILCE-7RM5) 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 1.46 DN, or 3.4 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 320, cutting input-referred read noise by about 1.1 stop. From ISO 500 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 12800 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 36,950 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 230.