Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1: read noise comparison

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 was measured at 5 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 1600. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 5.06 DN, or 7 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 100 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 5,640 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 140.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 was measured at 6 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. Values were derived by Bill Claff from DxOMark lab data.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 3.97 DN. From ISO 800 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise.