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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 Q10 with the Pentax Q, Nikon 1 J2 and Canon G15.
JPEG signal to noise ratio
These results show that JPEG images from the Pentax Q10 show middling signal to noise ratio compared to the other cameras here, sitting above the original Pentax Q at lower sensitivities, before being overtaken at ISO 3200 and above, and sitting below the Canon G15 until ISO 1600 and above, where it then overtakes it. The Q10 starts off almost on a par with the Nikon 1 J2 at lower sensitivities, then shows a stronger signal to noise ratio at ISO 400, before falling behind at ISO 800 and above.
Raw signal to noise ratio
The signal to noise ratios of the TIFF images (after conversion from raw) from the Pentax Q10 start off the strongest of the group, before being overtaken by the Nikon 1 J2 and Canon G15 at ISO 400 and above. Its results plummet steadily, finishing off on a par with those from the original Pentax Q at ISO 3200 and 6400.
JPEG dynamic range
Similarly, JPEGs from the Pentax Q10 start off showing the greatest dynamic range of the group, staying ahead until ISO 800, when the Nikon 1 J2 overtakes it. The Q10 keeps losing dynamic range from there, falling behind the Canon G15 at ISO 1600 and above and falling more or less level with the Pentax Q at ISO 1600 and above.
Raw dynamic range
This chart indicates that TIFF images (after conversion from raw) from the Pentax Q10 again show the highest dynamic range at ISO 100 and 200, though by a much narrower margin. Again, its performance deteriorates at mid to higher sensitivities, falling behind the Canon G15 at ISO 400 and above, with the exception of a brief advantage at ISO 1600. The Q10 falls behind the Nikon 1 J2 at ISO 800 and above, and falls within a hair's breadth of results from the original Pentax Q at ISO 1600 and above.
