Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S vs Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6 (ES): read noise comparison

The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S was measured at 35 ISO settings from ISO 80 to ISO 204800. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (160) read noise is 2.43 DN, or 7.4 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 800, cutting input-referred read noise by about 1.2 stop. From ISO 2000 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 53,951 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 480.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6 (ES) was measured at 28 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 25600. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (800) read noise is 18.90 DN. From ISO 1000 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise.