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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 Samsung NX1000 with the Nikon 1 J3, Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2 and Panasonic GF5.
JPEG signal to noise ratio
These results show that JPEG images from the Samsung NX1000 hold their own with the Nikon 1 J3 and Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2 in terms of signal to noise ratio on show, producing very similar results at every sensitivity setting, and are even stronger than those from the Panasonic GF5 at every ISO.
Raw signal to noise ratio
The signal to noise ratios of TIFF images (after conversion from raw) from the Samsung NX1000 are weaker than the SNR in its JPEG images, falling below those from the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2 at every ISO setting. They show stronger ratios than the Nikon 1 J3 at lower ISOs, and the same ratios as the Panasonic GF5 at lower ISOs, until ISO 800 when they fall behind the Nikon and overtake the Panasonic.
JPEG dynamic range
JPEG results for dynamic range are less impressive than those for signal to noise ratio, with the Samsung NX1000 producing a weaker dynamic range than the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2 at every sensitivity setting. The Samsung is slightly stronger than the Nikon 1 J3 at ISO 200, while it is also stronger than the Panasonic GF5 at ISO 200 and ISO 400, but drops off after that, briefly overtaking the Panasonic again at the top of the ISO range.
Raw dynamic range
This chart indicates that TIFF images (after conversion from raw) from the Samsung NX1000 have less dynamic range than Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2, but a greater dynamic range than the Panasonic GF5, at every sensitivity settings. The Samsung's TIFF images show a greater dynamic range than the Nikon 1 J3's at lower ISOs, but fall behind after ISO 400.
