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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 P7800 with its predecessor, the Nikon P7700, and its two main rivals, the Canon G16 and Sony RX100 II.
JPEG signal to noise ratio
Here we can see that the P7800 extremely closely matches its predecessor, which is not a huge surprise, given it shares the same processor and sensor as the P7700. It's a slightly more consistent performer than the G16, beating it at most sensitivities, aside from very low (ISO 80) and very closely matching at ISO 800. As we might have expected, the Sony RX100 II is way out ahead, though.
Raw (after conversion to TIFF) signal to noise ratio
Again it is the Sony RX100 II that is the real winner here, but in terms of the Nikon, it does perform slightly better than its predecessor, although the results are very similar. The good news is, though, that it beats the Canon G16 at every sensitivity setting.
JPEG dynamic range
In terms of dynamic range, the JPEG data shows that the Nikon P7800 is the worst performer in the test. The results are very close to the P7700, but it is beaten at every sensitivity by the Canon G16, while the Sony RX100 wins at almost every sensitivity, especially towards the higher end of the scale.
Raw (after conversion to TIFF) dynamic range
Again results are very closely matched to the P7700, but the Canon G16 is ahead at almost every sensitivity, only overtaken at the very top end of the sensitivity run, (ISO 3200 and above). The Sony RX100 is at the top for the most part, but it is beaten by the other cameras at the lower end of the scale.
Current page: Noise and dynamic range
Prev Page Image quality and resolution Next Page Sample imagesAmy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar.