Pentax ist DL2 vs Pentax K-1: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Pentax ist DL2 17.4 e⁻ (ISO 200), Pentax K-1 3.1 e⁻ (ISO 100).

Pentax ist DL2

The Pentax ist DL2 was measured at 5 ISO settings from ISO 200 to ISO 3200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (200) read noise is 3.01 DN, or 17.4 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 400 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 22,944 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 1160.

Pentax K-1

The Pentax K-1 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 1.20 DN, or 3.1 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 320 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 41,653 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 250.

Pentax ist DL2 vs Pentax K-1 read noise table

ISO	Pentax ist DL2	Pentax K-1
100	–	1.197
125	–	1.444
160	–	1.659
200	3.010	2.042
250	–	2.532
320	–	2.928
400	3.531	3.605
500	–	4.595
640	–	5.352
800	7.013	6.727
1000	–	8.634
1250	–	10.196
1600	13.929	13.086
2000	–	17.630
2500	–	19.973
3200	28.051	25.992
4000	–	34.060
5000	–	40.224
6400	–	51.984
8000	–	68.594
10000	–	79.341
12800	–	103.968
16000	–	138.141
20000	–	158.683
25600	–	206.500
32000	–	266.871
40000	–	315.173
51200	–	404.501
102400	–	809.002
204800	–	1,606.828

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