Sony NEX-5 vs Sony NEX-5N: read noise comparison

The Sony NEX-5 was measured at 7 ISO settings from ISO 200 to ISO 12800. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (200) read noise is 3.58 DN, or 4.3 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 400 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 19,109 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 240.

The Sony NEX-5N was measured at 9 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 2.10 DN, or 5.9 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 6400 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 44,577 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 280.