Sony NEX-F3 vs Sony QX1: read noise comparison

The Sony NEX-F3 was measured at 8 ISO settings from ISO 200 to ISO 16000. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (200) read noise is 3.43 DN, or 4.6 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 21,354 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 270.

The Sony QX1 (ILCE-QX1) was measured at 23 ISO settings from ISO 100 to ISO 16000. This model has no measurement of its own; the Sony a5000, which uses the same sensor, is shown.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 2.57 DN, or 5.3 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 10000 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 32,589 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 210.