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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 Nikon Coolpix P330 with the Olympus XZ-2, Canon PowerShot S110 and Nikon P7700.
JPEG signal to noise ratio
These results show that the Nikon Coolpix P330's JPEG files have a very similar signal to noise ratio to those from the Nikon P7700, but show a stronger SNR than those from the Olympus XZ-2 throughout the sensitivity range. The P330's JPEGs show a weaker signal to noise ratio than those from the Canon PowerShot S110 at most sensitivities, although the P330's images creep ahead at ISO 6400.
Raw signal to noise ratio
This time, the signal to noise ratios of the TIFF images (after conversion from raw) from the Nikon Coolpix P330 are the weakest of the group at ISO 80. The P330 creeps ahead of the Nikon P7700 at ISO 100 and 200, before falling behind again for the rest of the sensitivity range. Similarly, the P330 picks up its performance in the mid-to-high sensitivities and shows a greater signal to noise ratio than the Olympus XZ-2 at ISO 800 and above. The P330 shows weaker SNR than the Canon PowerShot S110 at every sensitivity except ISO 3200, where it slightly outperforms it.
JPEG dynamic range
JPEG results for dynamic range are closer together than those for signal to noise ratio, with the Nikon Coolpix P330's JPEG images showing similar dynamic range to those from the Canon PowerShot S110 and Nikon P7700 at ISO 80-400, after which point the other cameras' images overtake it. Conversely, the P330's JPEGS show weaker dynamic range than the Olympus XZ-2's at the lower sensitivities, but after ISO 1600 they produce very similar scores.
Raw dynamic range
This chart indicates that TIFF images (after conversion from raw) from the Nikon Coolpix P330 show the greatest dynamic range of the group at ISO 80, if only barely. At ISO 100-800, the P330's raw images show significantly less dynamic range than those from the Olympus XZ-2 and Canon PowerShot S110, before this changes again at ISO 1600 and above, putting the P330's raw images ahead again. The P330's raw images show very similar dynamic range to those of the Nikon P7700 at ISO 100, 200, 1600 and 3200, with the P7700 surging ahead in the mid range.
