Consider the data on 5 full-frame DLSRs currently on the market, shown in the table below. They all have different resolutions. Note that the result for the Nikon D3 puts it far ahead of the other models in terms of RAW noise, followed by the Canon EOS 5D.
The normalized SNR for an equivalent resolution 8Mpix shows the Nikon D3 keeping an easy lead, but the difference between the EOS 1Ds Mark III is no longer huge. Further, the relatively low resolution of the EOS 5D lowers its performance compared to the higher-resolution sensors by the same manufacturer, making the comparison with a normalized resolution more relevant. Indeed, the images are not meant to be visualized at 100% zoom on a regular screen, since only a small part of the image is visible. On the other hand, the images can be printed using different and possibly large formats.
Model |
Release date |
Pixel pitch (µm) |
Resolution (Mpix) |
SNR 18% (effective ISO 200) |
Normalized SNR 18% (effective ISO 200) |
Nikon D3 |
8/23/2007 |
8.5 |
12.2 |
38.99 |
40.82 |
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III |
8/20/2007 |
6.4 |
21.5 |
35.05 |
39.35 |
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II |
9/21/2004 |
7.2 |
17.1 |
35.12 |
38.42 |
Canon 1Ds* |
9/4/2002 |
8.8 |
11.1 |
34.72 |
36.14 |
Canon EOS 5D |
8/22/2005 |
8.2 |
13.2 |
35.99 |
38.17 |
*While the Canon 1Ds is far behind, note that it was the very first full-frame DSLR.
Normally, the user cannot access the effective or “real” ISO through the camera settings, but must rely on the ISO announced by the manufacturer, which is usually different. However, DxO Labs has carefully tested the above cameras to compare absolute ISO values with the ISO values announced by the manufacturers; to see these results, click here.
Effective ISO values provide the most relevant comparisons: images are shot with the same sensitivity—that is, shadows and highlights are preserved or lost in the same way, thus preserving the ranking when converting the RAW images using the same RAW converter. If we look at the minimal ISO setting (thus maximal SNR), we see that the lowest ISO setting for Nikon D3 is ISO 200, whereas it is 100 for the Canon DSLRs. The noise measurements at minimal sensitivity are shown below.
Model |
Manufacturer min ISO |
Effective min ISO |
SNR 18% Max |
Normalized SNR 18% Max |
Nikon D3 |
200 |
131 |
41.03 |
42.86 |
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III |
100 |
70 |
38.58 |
42.89 |
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II |
100 |
79 |
38.19 |
41.49 |
Canon 1Ds |
100 |
93 |
37.92 |
39.34 |
Canon EOS 5D |
100 |
88 |
38.75 |
40.93 |
In this case, the EOS 1Ds Mark III and D3 are tied. However, the 1Ds Mark III image will be underexposed compared to the D3 (about 1Ev in manual mode), or the exposure time will be twice as large (assuming that auto exposure strategies are the same).
Backlinks
On the dxomark web site, we evaluate and rank many types of digital cameras with image sensors that vary widely in pixel count, pixel size, and digital signal processing. To ensure that sensor performance comparisons between cameras are fair, it is very important both to test under identical shooting conditions and to take viewing conditions into account.
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The new "advanced compact" category that adds DSLR features (such as RAW output, manual operation, and interchangeable lenses) to classy, compact-style cameras, continues to be populated with new models—e.g., Canon Powershot G11 and S90, Olympus EP1 and EP2, Panasonic GF1, Leica X1, etc.
In this review we focus on the evolution of sensor characteristics and performance within this category, considering the Canon Powershot G11 and S90 and the Olympus E-P1 models in particular, and show how top models are catching up with entry-level DSLRs in terms of RAW image quality.
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