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Noise and dynamic range

These graphs were produced using data generated by DXO Analyzer.

We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using the DXO software.

Signal to noise ratio

 A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.

At ISO 200 JPEGs from the P3 have a lower signal to noise ratio than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Samsung NX11 and Sony NEX-5.

However, our resolution tests indicate that the P3's images contain more detail than the G3's indicating that the camera's processing is calibrated to preserve data at the expense of revealing noise.

Like the other cameras, the P3's signal to noise ratio drops steadily as sensitivity increases and at the highest values images lack definition.

Dynamic range

Generally, a higher dynamic range is better than a low as a greater number of tones can be recorded in a single exposure.

Despite its Four Third sensor, the P3's JPEGs have very respectable dynamic range, generally trumping the Panasonic G3's, but not quite matching the Sony NEX-5's.