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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 1 J3 with the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2, Nikon 1 J2, Canon EOS M, Nikon 1 V2 and Panasonic GF5.
JPEG signal to noise ratio
These results show that the Nikon 1 J3 has a stronger signal to noise ratio than the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2, Nikon 1 J2, Canon EOS M, Nikon 1 V2 and Panasonic GF5.
Raw signal to noise ratio
The signal to noise ratios of the TIFF images (after conversion from raw) from the Nikon 1 J3 are weaker than the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2, Nikon 1 J2, Canon EOS M and Nikon 1 V2 throughout the sensitivity range, and weaker than the Panasonic GF5 until ISO 800, until it overtakes it from there and upwards.
JPEG dynamic range
The Nikon 1 J3's images showing a similar dynamic range to the Nikon 1 V2 throughout the sensitivity range.
Raw dynamic range
TIFF images (after conversion from raw) from the Nikon 1 J3 are weak, containing less dynamic range than the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2, Nikon 1 J2, Canon EOS M and Nikon 1 V2, but it does have a stronger dynamic range than the Panasonic GF5 across the full sensitivity range.
