Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-3 III: read noise comparison

The Pentax K-3 was measured at 28 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 51200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.92 DN, or 2.9 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 1600 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 20000 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 24,761 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 150.

The Pentax K-3 III was measured at 43 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 1638400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.65 DN, or 3.9 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 400, cutting input-referred read noise by about 1 stop. From ISO 5000 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 38,495 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 240.