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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 Pentax K-50 with the Nikon D5300, Sony Alpha 65 and Canon 700D.
JPEG signal to noise ratio
The K-50 performs very well in the signal-to-noise ratio test, beating the other cameras at the lower end of the sensitivity run (although it dips at ISO 200 to match the others). At the very top end of the scale, such as ISO 12800, it is a decent performer, if not quite the best on test.
Raw signal to noise ratio
In raw format (after conversion to TIFF), the K-50 performs slightly worse in the signal to noise ratio tests. Here we can see it is very closely tied to the Nikon D5300, this could be because they both use a Sony sensor. The other two cameras put in a very similar performance, while they are all pretty consistent.
JPEG dynamic range
The K-50 puts in a good, consistent performance for dynamic range, being the second best performer at the very lowest end of the sensitivity run. In the middle of the range it is very closely tied to the Sony Alpha 65and the Canon EOS 700D. The Nikon D5300 puts in the best performance in the test though.
Raw dynamic range
The K-50's raw format files (after conversion to TIFF) have lower scores than the other cameras on test at most sensitivities. This may be a result of the camera favouring detail over noise reduction though for raw format files. As usual, however, you can apply your own noise reduction in post-processing.
