Fixed Pattern Noise Collaboration
2017-12-20 (revised 2019-04-08) by Bill Claff

Introduction

The purpose of the collaboration is to collect Fixed Pattern Noise (FPN) information for a wide variety of cameras.

Any brand and model of camera can be used provided raw data can be captured.

There are a number of different approached to making these measurements.
The approach taken here simplifies data collection and produces very good results.

The well exposed images are used to calculate Pixel Response Non-Uniformity (PRNU).
And the black images are used to calculate Dark Signal Non-Uniformity (DSNU).
PRNU and DSNU are the primary sources of FPN.

Required Image

You can simply use a white portion of your computer screen or you can use the following image instead:

The image is preferred because the red and blue channels of the raw data are better exposed.

You can also use any other uniform target other than the computer screen but will need a tripod for consistent images.

Preparing your Camera to take the Images

Choose any lens you like. Probably it will be easier with a short and light lens.
Try to avoid wide-angle lenses because we need a completely out of focus image.

Set all noise reduction settings to off (or a low as possible). In particular do not use long exposure noise reduction.

Do not use ISO Auto.

Remember to take RAW images.

If your camera does both 14‑bit and 12‑bit then it is preferable to use 14‑bit.

If your camera supports electronic and mechanical shutter then use the mechanical shutter.

You will be using Manual mode and Manual focus. Make sure Exposure Compensation is 0.

Taking the Images

Images will be taken at the lowest analog ISO, f/4 (higher f-number is OK especially if the lens is wide- angle) aperture, and at infinity focus.
For most cameras the lowest numbered ISO setting is the lowest analog ISO; but on some it’s the next ISO setting up.
Infinity focus will produce the most diffuse images for most lenses but sometimes closest focus is best.

Put the image on your computer screen or simply open up something that shows a white screen.
Although the out of focus images will be diffuse, to ensure consistent brightness we don’t want the camera to move.
So I place the front of my lens directly against my computer screen when setting exposure and taking the images.

Adjust your exposure to be 2 stops overexposed and take 16 images.
These will be well exposed but not clipped.

Alternatively, use an evenly illuminated target and a tripod. We simply want somewhat overexposed, evenly lit images.

Here's a thumbnail of a good image:

Sometime there will be some light fall-off:

Or a gradient:

Try you best to eliminate these, particularly the gradient. Stop down a bit if necessary (don't forget to increase the exposure time).

Put your lens cap on, set your fastest shutter speed, and take 16 of black images.
It's wise to avoid bright light or cover your viewfinder in case there is light leakage.

Submit your Data

Contact me at BClaff@comcast.net to gain access to my Dropbox to transfer your files or to arrange for an alternate method.