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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 EOS 1200D with the Canon EOS 1100D, Nikon D3300, Fuji X-A1 and Olympus E-PM2.
JPEG signal to noise ratio
In terms of signal to noise ratio for JPEG images, the 1200D puts in a good performance, which as we might expect is pretty close to the 1100D. It is significantly better than the Nikon D3300 however, which is this camera's main competitor. The Fuji X-A1 is the real winner in this particular test, significantly beating the rival cameras at almost every sensitivity, apart from ISO 100 where it is just about beaten by the 1100D.
Raw signal to noise ratio
This graph showing the results for signal to noise ratio in raw format (after conversion to TIFF) images is interesting, as it appears to show a big drop in quality when compared to the 1100D. However, this suggests that Canon has taken the decision to prioritise detail resolution over noise reduction for raw format images - you can apply your own noise reduction to the files if it's proving to be a problem. We can see that the Nikon D3300 beats the 1200D, but that in turn is beaten by the 1100D - also indicating the Nikon's propensity for detail resolution over noise reduction.
JPEG dynamic range
For JPEG images, the 1200D puts in a solid performance in terms of dynamic range. It beats its predecessor, the 1100D, by a reasonably significant margin, while it is reasonably closely matched to the Nikon D3300, beating it at every sensitivity, but not by too much. Here it is the Olympus E-PM2 which puts in the best performance for dynamic range.
Raw dynamic range
The 1200D puts in a more consistent performance across the sensitivity range for raw (after conversion to TIFF) images in terms of dynamic range. Here it is pretty closely matched to the 1100D, as we might expect, beating it slightly at the lower end of the sensitivity run. The Nikon D3300 beats it at the lower end of the sensitivity run, but this is probably a reflection of Canon's tendency to produce pleasing warm tones, compared to Nikon's colder, but perhaps more accurate, tones.
