Photons to Photos

Your trusted source for independent sensor data

Last revised: 2024-08-18 00:00 GMT-5

Click on the camera model in list to toggle visibility. Zooming is enabled. Use the resize box to resize the chart and list.
To share a chart consider getting a link with the link button rather than or in addition to simply using a screenshot.
Note that _12 indicates 12-bit data and _14 indicates 14-bit data.

Notes:

These raw values are not appropriate for comparing camera models because they are not adjusted for gain or area.
The shape of the curve can tell you something about the amplifier circuitry of the camera.
Jagged curves, like the Nikon D3S show evidence of digital scaling (or a separate amplifier) for intermediate ISO.
Straight curves, like the Nikon D7000, show evidence of being dominated by photosite read noise.
Curved curves, like the Nikon D90, show evidence of being dominated by ADC read noise.
Curves with a sharp drop in the analog range, like the Sony ILCE-A7, show evidence of the use of dual conversion gain.
Quite a few cameras stop analog gain before reaching the "Hi" ISO values.
"Hi" ISO values can behave strangely once signal processing such as noise reduction kicks in.

Further Reading:
Sensor Analysis Primer - Read Noise - Optical Black
Sensor Analysis Primer
Measurement and Sample Variation

Contributions of data are always welcome, particularly if your camera is not listed.
Contact me if you wish to help.