Pentax MX-1 vs Pentax Q10: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Pentax MX-1 4.2 e⁻ (ISO 100), Pentax Q10 2.7 e⁻ (ISO 100).

Pentax MX-1

The Pentax MX-1 was measured at 22 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 12800. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.84 DN, or 4.2 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 1000 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 8,824 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 230.

Pentax Q10

The Pentax Q10 was measured at 19 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 0.86 DN, or 2.7 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 1000 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 13,070 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 320.

Pentax MX-1 vs Pentax Q10 read noise table

ISO	Pentax MX-1	Pentax Q10
100	1.840	0.859
125	1.828	0.993
160	2.250	1.165
200	2.549	1.376
250	2.969	1.659
320	3.531	1.945
400	4.228	2.297
500	5.169	2.713
640	6.190	3.182
800	7.727	3.918
1000	9.063	4.659
1250	2.621	5.736
1600	3.918	6.916
2000	6.543	8.456
2500	17.148	10.411
3200	23.918	12.729
4000	31.341	15.671
5000	15.562	19.973
6400	24.761	25.281
8000	37.792	–
10000	26.173	–
12800	44.324	–

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