Digital cameras span a large range in price and performance. Consumers often\nfocus mainly on the resolution in pixels when shopping for a camera. Of\nequal importance is the quality of the optics and the exposure response. Digital\ncameras generally have a linear exposure response, but the amount of\nnoise and the dynamic range vary. It is difficult to obtain quantitative information\non these parameters to make an informed assessment. This work explores\nand demonstrates first-principles methods to measure the exposure\nresponse to make meaningful comparisons between different camera models.\nIt also shows how to make the most of a particular camera by measuring its\nnoise level and dynamic range, to understand the limits of its useable ISO\namplification. The methods only require a computer and free software to\ndownload images and extract their RGB pixel values. The analysis, based on\nthe RGB values, uses standard spreadsheet software. The procedures are\ntherefore accessible to anyone with a digital camera and computer, and will\nhelp to reduce speculation in comparing cameras, and help consumers make\nan informed decision.
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