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| Noise results at ISO 3200. Click photo to see the complete range of noise curves. |
Nikon D80 Noise Analysis
This may be the camera that sets the standard for low noise and superior noise reduction technology at higher ISO settings. Based on test results and graphs from DxO Analyzer 2.0 software, the D80 suppresses noise levels remarkably from ISO 100 to 800, and has one of the highest signal to noise ratios (at L175) that we've seen in a DSLR (Average 44 from ISO 100 to 400, a very good number). From the graphs you can see that the blue and red channel noise is higher in the shadow and midtone areas and eventually equals the green channel noise in the tone and highlight areas. This is the same from ISO 100 to 400. Therefore, if you want to apply any kind of noise reduction in post processing to images taken in this ISO range, target the Red and blue channels in the midtone and shadows. But don't expect noticeable improvements since the noise levels are already too low to see in most enlargements.
At ISO 800 Nikon kicks in some intelligent noise reduction that slightly lowers the resolution while taming the color noise and shape. Signal to noise ratio maintains a high 44 average but blue channel noise increases in the highlights. At ISO 800 and 1600 Nikon's NR brings the curves together to reduce color noise in the shadows and midtones, and noise "grain" shape is very symmetrical, but signal to noise ration drops to a respectable 38 average -- higher than most compact digital cameras can achieve at ISO 100.
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