Sony DSC-RX100 vs Sony FX2: read noise comparison

The Sony DSC-RX100 was measured at 9 ISO settings from ISO 80 to ISO 6400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (125) read noise is 3.81 DN, or 10.1 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 800 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 3200 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 40,970 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 330.

The Sony FX2 (ILME-FX2) was measured at 37 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 204800. This model has no measurement of its own; the Sony a7 IV, which uses the same sensor, is shown.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.12 DN, or 4.6 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 400, cutting input-referred read noise by about 1.4 stop. From ISO 3200 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 65,432 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 410.