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.
JPEG signal to noise ratio
JPEG images from the Nikon P7700 are similar to those from the Canon G12 and Nikon P7100 for signal to noise ratio, while the Sony RX100 produces stronger results at every sensitivity setting.
Raw signal to noise ratio
In contrast, the signal to noise ratio scores for raw images are more spread out, with the Nikon P7700's raw images most like the Nikon P7100's between ISO 100 and 800, after which point the newer camera takes the lead. The P7700's images consistently beat the Canon G12's for signal to noise ratio throughout the sensitivity range. They fall below the Sony RX100's again at low sensitivities, before then taking the lead and holding it from ISO 400 onwards.
JPEG dynamic range
For dynamic range, JPEG images from the Nikon P7700 sit firmly in the middle of the scoreboard. They start off stronger than all the cameras' and stay stronger than the Nikon P7100's images at all ISOs. The Sony RX100's images are once again the strongest after ISO 200. And Canon G12's results are most similar, so that second and third place interchange at each new ISO setting.
Raw dynamic range
Again, the results of the raw images are more spread out than those of the JPEG images. And again, the Sony RX100 produces the greatest dynamic range of the lot, apart from at ISO 1600-3200, where the Sony and the Nikon P7700 are almost on a par. The Nikon P7100's images show the third best dynamic range, and the Canon G12's results are the weakest, throughout the sensitivity range.
