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We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using DXO Analyzer software to generate the data to produce the graphs below.
A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.
For more more details on how to interpret our test data, check out our full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests.
Here we compare the Canon G16 with its predecessor, the Canon G15, as well as its main rivals, the Nikon Coolpix P7800 and the Sony RX100 II.
JPEG signal to noise ratio
The G16 actually performs slightly worse than the G15 in our labs test, although the results are reasonably similar. It's also pretty closely tied with the Nikon P7800, although it does lag behind at almost every sensitivity. It is the Sony RX100 II that is the real performer in this chart though, beating all of the other cameras by some distance.
Raw signal to noise ratio
Here we can see a marginal improvement from its predecessor, but it is still beaten by the Nikon P7800 at every sensitivity. Again, the RX100 II is out in front.
In terms of dynamic range, the G16 is one of the best performers here, being reasonably close, but better than, its predecessor. It also beats the P7800 by quite some margin. The RX100 is better at lower and higher sensitivities, but is almost tied with the G16 in the middle of the range.
Raw dynamic range
The G16 puts in a consistent performance, beating both its predecessor and the Nikon, but not by a huge margin. Although it performs better at the lower end of the sensitivity run, from ISO 400 and above, the Sony RX100 performs significantly better than all of the cameras.
