Pentax KP vs Pentax Q: read noise comparison

The Pentax KP was measured at 40 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 819200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.83 DN, or 4.1 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 400, cutting input-referred read noise by about 1.2 stop. From ISO 4000 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 204800 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 36,953 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 230.

The Pentax Q was measured at 18 ISO settings from ISO 125 to ISO 6400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (125) read noise is 1.04 DN, or 2.1 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 800 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 8,427 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 260.