Pentax K-r vs Pentax K-S1: read noise comparison

The Pentax K-r was measured at 9 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. Values were derived by Bill Claff from DxOMark lab data.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 0.90 DN. From ISO 12800 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise.

The Pentax K-S1 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 0.70 DN, or 4.8 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 400 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 4000 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 27,917 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 680.