ISO 15739:2023

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15739
Fourth edition
2023-04
Photography — Electronic still-picture
imaging — Noise measurements
Photographie — Imagerie des prises de vue électroniques —
Mesurages du bruit
Reference number
ISO 15739:2023(E)
© ISO 2023

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ISO 15739:2023(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Test conditions .3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Illumination . 4
4.2.1 Characteristics . 4
4.2.2 Daylight illumination . 4
4.2.3 Tungsten illumination . 4
4.2.4 Uniformity of illumination and reflection test chart illumination geometry . 4
4.2.5 Light source amplitude variations . 4
4.3 Temperature and relative humidity . 4
4.4 White balance . 5
4.5 Infrared (IR) blocking filter . 5
4.6 Photosite integration time . 5
4.7 Compression . 5
5 Noise measurement procedures . 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Measurement of a DSC using a test chart . 5
5.2.1 General . 5
5.2.2 OECF measurement . 5
5.2.3 Adjustment of illumination . 6
5.2.4 Test chart. 6
5.2.5 Non-uniformity and image structure spatial components . 6
5.2.6 Camera lens focus . 6
5.3 Measurement of a DSC having manual exposure control . 7
5.3.1 General . 7
5.3.2 OECF measurement . 7
5.3.3 Adjustment of illumination . 8
5.3.4 Test densities . 8
5.3.5 Diffuser setting . 8
5.3.6 Camera lens focus . 8
5.4 Measurement of a DSC having a removable lens . 9
5.4.1 General . 9
5.4.2 OECF measurement . 9
5.4.3 Adjustment of illumination . 9
5.4.4 Test densities . 9
6 Calculation of metrics .10
6.1 General . 10
6.2 Noise . 10
6.2.1 General . 10
6.2.2 Determining the noise for luminance measurements . 11
6.2.3 Determining the noise for exposure measurements .12
6.3 Signal-to-noise ratios — large area .12
6.3.1 General .12
6.3.2 Determining the reference luminance and luminance value for calculating
signal-to-noise ratio .12
6.3.3 Determining the signal-to-total noise ratio .13
6.3.4 Determining the temporal signal-to-noise ratio . 14
6.3.5 Determining the fixed pattern signal-to-noise ratio . 14
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
6.3.6 Determining the exposure values and the signal-to-noise ratios for
exposure measurements . 15
6.4 DSC dynamic range . 15
6.4.1 General .15
6.4.2 Determining the DSC dynamic range for luminance measurements .15
6.4.3 Determining the DSC dynamic range for exposure measurements . 17
7 Presentation of results .17
7.1 General . 17
7.2 Signal-to-noise ratios . 17
7.3 DSC dynamic range . 17
Annex A (normative) Noise component analysis .18
Annex B (normative) Visual noise measurements .24
Annex C (normative) Removing low frequency variations from the image signals .34
Annex D (informative) Procedure for determining signal-to-noise ratio .35
Annex E (informative) Practical viewing conditions for various output media .37
Annex F (informative) Introduction of perceptually uniform mapping of visual noise to
noisiness JND.38
Bibliography .41
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 42, Photography.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 15739:2017), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— several terms and definitions have been modified, added, and deleted (see Clause 3);
— calculation procedures of camera noise, signal-to-noise ratios, and DSC dynamic range have been
revised for measurement accuracy (see Clause 6);
— presentation of results has been specified expressly (see Clause 7);
— description of noise component analysis has been revised to be more detailed (see Annex A);
— measurement method of visual noise has been revised to model the human visual system more
closely (see Annex B);
— method for removing low frequency variations from the image signals has been revised and changed
from informative to normative processing (see Annex C);
— description of procedure for determining signal-to-noise ratio has been revised (see Annex D);
— introduction of perceptually uniform mapping of visual noise to noisiness JND has been added (see
Annex F).
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
Introduction
Noise is an important attribute of electronic still-picture imaging. If noticeable levels of noise exist
in the images captured by a camera, then detail textures of objects are lost in reproduction and the
visibility of the images is degraded. Therefore, measurement methods for noise are very important and
are needed to provide important information relevant to evaluating image fidelity and the visibility of
noise in captured images. Measurement methods are also important for assessing camera performance
relative to these image quality factors.
The primary sources of noise in captured images are photon shot noise, dark current shot noise,
analogue processing readout noise of image sensors, and quantization noise of A/D converters. This
type of noise source adds spatially random noise to captured still images, whose spatial pattern differs
from frame to frame. The other type of noise source includes dark current pattern noise, row/column
pattern noise, and photo response non-uniformity of image sensors. This type of noise source also
introduces spatially random noise in captured images; however, its spatial pattern does not change
under the same shooting conditions.
The noise level introduced by these sources in output images is highly dependent on shooting conditions,
such as the camera exposure time, aperture value, and ISO sensitivity. Camera operating temperature is
also an influential factor. Some camera processing, such as contrast amplification and noise reduction,
heavily influence the noise spectrum, in addition to the noise level itself.
The image quality metrics described in this document are determined from the measurement of
spatially distributed noise in the output still image that is viewed by an observer. The metrics include
the effect of the internal camera processing on the spectrum and level of the noise.
When observers view output images, several factors affect how they perceive noise in images, in
addition to the noise level itself. Observers view noise differently depending on the apparent tone of the
area being viewed, the luminance and colour channels where noise exists, the noise spectrum, and the
viewing conditions.
This document specifies methods for measuring noise and related metrics of digital still cameras
accounting for these influential factors. Measurement conditions are specified to minimize the influence
of disturbance factors, to ensure that temporal and spatial statistical property changes are negligible,
and to provide a good estimate of the noise level.
The main body of this document specifies methods for measuring input-referred noise, signal-to-noise
ratios, and DSC dynamic range. Noise is determined as an estimate of the perceived noise computed
using root mean square values measured in image signals linearized from the camera output signals.
The two types of spatially random noise, temporal and fixed pattern, are determined using a noise
component analysis applied to multiple captured images, the details of which are provided in Annex A.
Annex B describes a procedure for measuring the visual noise (an output-referred noise metric) using a
human visual model that aims to predict the perceived quality of the image. The model weights spectral
components of the noise and takes into account the noise spectrum, viewing conditions, and the
perceived difference between luminance and colour channels. The metric has been shown to provide a
high level of correlation with human perception of noise in images.
Low frequency variations may be introduced in the captured image due to lens shading and non-
uniform test chart illumination. Since these variations can influence the noise measurement a method
for removing low frequency variations from the image is provided in Annex C.
Annex D provides a recommended step-by-step procedure for determining the signal-to-noise ratio.
Annex E describes recommendations for practical viewing conditions for various output media.
Annex F introduces perceptually uniform mapping of visual noise to noisiness JND.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15739:2023(E)
Photography — Electronic still-picture imaging — Noise
measurements
1 Scope
This document specifies methods for measuring and reporting the noise versus signal level and dynamic
range of digital still cameras. It applies to both monochrome and colour electronic digital still cameras.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 554, Standard atmospheres for conditioning and/or testing — Specifications
ISO 7589:2002, Photography — Illuminants for sensitometry — Specifications for daylight, incandescent
tungsten and printer
ISO 12232:2019, Photography — Digital still cameras — Determination of exposure index, ISO speed
ratings, standard output sensitivity, and recommended exposure index
ISO 14524, Photography — Electronic still-picture cameras — Methods for measuring opto-electronic
conversion functions (OECFs)
ITU-R BT.709-6, Parameter values for the HDTV Standards for production and International programme
exchange
IEC 61966-2–1, Multimedia systems and equipment — Colour measurement and management — Part 2-1:
Colour management — Default RGB colour space — sRGB
IEC 61966-2–1/Amd.1:2003, Multimedia systems and equipment — Colour measurement and management
— Part 2-1: Colour management — Default RGB colour space — sRGB — Amendment 1
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
camera opto-electronic conversion function
camera OECF
relationship between the input scene log luminances and the output pixel values for an opto-electronic
digital capture system
2
Note 1 to entry: The unit of luminance (L) is cd/m . Log luminance is dimensionless, expressed as log (L/L ),
10 0
2
where L = 1 cd/m .
0
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
3.2
clipping value
pixel value that remains constant for further increases in exposure (highlight clipping value) or for
further decreases in exposure (dark clipping value)
3.3
digital still camera
DSC
camera that produces a digital still image from the digitized output of a solid-state photo sensor and
records the digital still image using a digital memory, such as a removable memory card
3.4
DSC dynamic range
ratio of the input signal (luminance or exposure) saturation level to the minimum input signal level that
can be captured with a signal-to-temporal noise ratio of at least 1
3.5
exposure time
total time period during which the photo sensor is able to integrate the light from the scene to form an
image
3.6
focal plane opto-electronic conversion function
focal plane OECF
relationship between the input focal plane log exposures and the output pixel values for an opto-
electronic digital image capture system
Note 1 to entry: The unit of exposure (H) is lx⋅s. Log exposure is dimensionless, expressed as log (H/H ), where
10 0
H = 1 lx⋅s.
0
3.7
image sensor
electronic device which converts incident electromagnetic radiation into an electronic signal
Note 1 to entry: A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor and a charge coupled device
(CCD) image sensor are examples of image sensors.
3.8
noise
unwanted variations in the response of an imaging system
3.8.1
total noise
all the unwanted variations, consisting of fixed pattern noise (3.8.2) and temporal noise (3.8.3), of the
values in the image signals captured by a single exposure
Note 1 to entry: The procedure in this document for calculating the total noise requires multiple frames.
3.8.2
fixed pattern noise
FPN
unwanted spatial pixel variations of the values in the image signals which remain constant from frame
to frame given the same illumination, aperture value, integration time, and ISO sensitivity setting
Note 1 to entry: Most fixed pattern noise (FPN) varies in digital number with sensor gain and ISO sensitivity
setting and cannot, therefore, be considered static relative to exposure. There are three classes of fixed
pattern noise, (1) static with integration time, for example, pixel FPN, column FPN and row FPN, (2) varies with
integration time, for example dark current FPN, but static from frame to frame, and (3) signal dependent FPN
such as photo response non-uniformity (PRNU), but still static from frame to frame.
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
Note 2 to entry: PRNU is a pixel to pixel gain mismatch. It is normally expressed as a percentage of signal because
it is a gain error. It is static from frame to frame and, thus, contributes to fixed pattern noise but its magnitude is
a function of signal level. It is, therefore, considered as a signal dependent FPN.
3.8.3
temporally varying noise
temporal noise
unwanted variation in the values of the image signals that changes from frame to frame due to sensor
dark current shot noise, photon shot noise, analogue processing, and quantization
3.9
noise spectrum
curve or equation which expresses the image noise as a function of two-dimensional image spatial
frequencies
3.10
saturation
condition where the camera output signal reaches the maximum valid (not clipped or bloomed) value
3.10.1
exposure saturation
minimum focal plane exposure that produces the maximum valid (not clipped or bloomed) camera
output signal
Note 1 to entry: The exposure saturation is expressed in lux-seconds (lx⋅s).
3.10.2
luminance saturation
minimum scene luminance that produces the maximum valid (not clipped or bloomed) camera output
signal
2
Note 1 to entry: The luminance saturation is expressed in candelas per square meter (cd/m ).
Note 2 to entry: The luminance saturation is determined for a fixed exposure setting of the camera under test.
3.11
signal-to-noise ratio
ratio of the input signal (luminance or exposure) level to the root mean square (rms) noise level, at a
particular signal level
Note 1 to entry: In this document, the output pixel value is converted to an input signal level by applying the
inverse OECF. The average of the input signal levels corresponds to the scene luminance (focal plane exposure)
value when capturing an image. Unwanted variations exist in the converted input signal level that are centred
about its average. This variation in input signal level is noise and is measured as the rms value.
Note 2 to entry: This is typically expressed as a graph or table showing the signal-to-noise ratio versus input
signal level for the full range of input signal levels.
3.12
test density
spectrally non-selective transmittance filter used to reduce an input luminance to a predefined ratio of
the unfiltered luminance
4 Test conditions
4.1 General
The following measurement conditions should be used as nominal conditions when measuring the
noise of a DSC. If it is not possible or appropriate to achieve these nominal operating conditions, the
actual operating conditions shall be listed along with the reported results.
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
4.2 Illumination
4.2.1 Characteristics
The noise measurements shall indicate whether illumination conforming to the standard photographic
daylight or tungsten illuminant was used. ISO 7589 describes the procedures for determining if the
characteristics of the illumination used in a specific noise determination test are an acceptable match
to the standard photographic daylight and tungsten illuminants.
4.2.2 Daylight illumination
For daylight measurements without the camera lens, illumination conforming to the ISO sensitometric
daylight illuminant specified in ISO 7589:2002, Table 1 shall be used. This illuminant is defined as the
product of the spectral power distribution of CIE Illuminant D55 and the spectral transmittance of the
ISO standard camera lens. For measurements with the camera lens in place, the spectral characteristics
of the illumination shall conform to CIE illuminant D55.
4.2.3 Tungsten illumination
For tungsten measurements without the camera lens, illumination conforming to the ISO sensitometric
tungsten illuminant specified in ISO 7589:2002, Table 2 shall be used. This illuminant is defined as the
product of the average spectral power distribution of experimentally measu
...

ISO 15739:2023(E)
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ISO TC 42/WG 18
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Date: 2023-01-23xx
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Secretariat: ANSI
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Photography — Electronic still picture imaging — Noise measurements
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Photographie — Imagerie des prises de vue électroniques — Mesurages du bruit
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
© ISO 2023
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
Formatted: Pattern: Clear
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part
of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written
permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body
in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.orgwww.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
Contents
Foreword . vi
Introduction. viii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Test conditions . 4
4.1 General . 4
4.2 Illumination . 4
4.2.1 Characteristics . 4
4.2.2 Daylight illumination . 4
4.2.3 Tungsten illumination . 4
4.2.4 Uniformity of illumination and reflection test chart illumination geometry . 4
4.2.5 Light source amplitude variations . 4
4.3 Temperature and relative humidity . 5
4.4 White balance . 5
4.5 Infrared (IR) blocking filter . 5
4.6 Photosite integration time . 5
4.7 Compression . 5
5 Noise measurement procedures . 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Measurement of a DSC using a test chart . 6
5.2.1 General . 6
5.2.2 OECF measurement. 6
5.2.3 Adjustment of illumination . 6
5.2.4 Test chart . 6
5.2.5 Non-uniformity and image structure spatial components . 6
5.2.6 Camera lens focus . 7
5.3 Measurement of a DSC having manual exposure control . 7
5.3.1 General . 7
5.3.2 OECF measurement. 7
5.3.3 Adjustment of illumination . 8
5.3.4 Test densities . 8
5.3.5 Diffuser setting . 8
5.3.6 Camera lens focus . 8
5.4 Measurement of a DSC having a removable lens . 9
5.4.1 General . 9
5.4.2 OECF measurement. 9
5.4.3 Adjustment of illumination . 9
5.4.4 Test densities . 9
6 Calculation of metrics . 9
6.1 General . 9
6.2 Noise . 10
6.2.1 General . 10
6.2.2 Determining the noise for luminance measurements . 11
6.2.3 Determining the noise for exposure measurements . 11
6.3 Signal-to-noise ratios — large area. 12
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
6.3.1 General . 12
6.3.2 Determining the reference luminance and luminance value for calculating signal-to-
noise ratio . 12
6.3.3 Determining the signal-to-total noise ratio . 13
6.3.4 Determining the temporal signal-to-noise ratio . 14
6.3.5 Determining the fixed pattern signal-to-noise ratio . 14
6.3.6 Determining the exposure values and the signal-to-noise ratios for exposure
measurements . 15
6.4 DSC dynamic range . 15
6.4.1 General . 15
6.4.2 Determining the DSC dynamic range for luminance measurements . 15
6.4.3 Determining the DSC dynamic range for exposure measurements . 16
7 Presentation of results . 17
7.1 General . 17
7.2 Signal-to-noise ratios . 17
7.3 DSC dynamic range . 17
Annex A (normative) Noise component analysis . 18
A.1 Object . 18
A.1.1 General . 18
A.1.2 Analysis . 18
A.1.3 Average noise . 19
A.1.4 Temporal noise . 20
A.1.5 Fixed pattern noise . 21
A.2 Method using eight images . 21
A.2.1 Step-by-step description . 21
A.2.2 Evaluation of the method using example data . 22
A.2.2.1 Example data . 22
A.2.2.2 Evaluation . 22
Annex B (normative) Visual noise measurements . 24
B.1 General . 24
B.2 Algorithm used for the visual noise measurements . 26
B.2.1 RGB to XYZ(E) . 26
B.2.2 XYZ(E) into opponent space AC C . 26
1 2
B.2.3 Discrete Fourier transform (DFT) . 27
B.2.4 Applying the contrast sensitivity function . 27
B.2.5 Inverse Fourier transform . 29
B.2.6 Opponent space AC C into XYZ(E) . 29
1 2
B.2.7 XYZ(E) to XYZ(D65) . 29
B.2.8 XYZ(D65) to L*a*b* . 30
B.2.9 Determining the standard deviation for each grey patch . 30
B.2.10 The weighted sum representing the visual noise . 30
B.3 Visual noise measurements . 31
B.3.1 Test conditions . 31
B.3.2 Evaluation of visual noise . 31
B.4 Reporting the results . 31
Annex C (normative) Removing low frequency variations from the image signals . 33
C.1 General . 33
C.2 Application of the high-pass filter . 33
Annex D (informative) Procedure for determining signal-to-noise ratio . 34
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
Annex E (informative) Practical viewing conditions for various output media . 36
Annex F (informative) Introduction of perceptually uniform mapping of visual noise to
noisiness JND . 37
F.1 General . 37
F.2 Design of JND mapping function . 37
F.3 Noisiness JND mapping function . 37
Bibliography . 39Foreword
. vi
Introduction. viii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Test conditions . 4
4.1 General . 4
4.2 Illumination . 4
4.2.1 Characteristics . 4
4.2.2 Daylight illumination . 4
4.2.3 Tungsten illumination . 4
4.2.4 Uniformity of illumination and reflection test chart illumination geometry . 4
4.2.5 Light source amplitude variations . 4
4.3 Temperature and relative humidity . 5
4.4 White balance . 5
4.5 Infrared (IR) blocking filter . 5
4.6 Photosite integration time . 5
4.7 Compression . 5
5 Noise measurement procedures . 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Measurement of a DSC using a test chart . 6
5.2.1 General . 6
5.2.2 OECF measurement. 6
5.2.3 Adjustment of illumination . 6
5.2.4 Test chart . 6
5.2.5 Non-uniformity and image structure spatial components . 6
5.2.6 Camera lens focus . 7
5.3 Measurement of a DSC having manual exposure control . 7
5.3.1 General . 7
5.3.2 OECF measurement. 7
5.3.3 Adjustment of illumination . 8
5.3.4 Test densities . 8
5.3.5 Diffuser setting . 8
5.3.6 Camera lens focus . 8
5.4 Measurement of a DSC having a removable lens . 9
5.4.1 General . 9
5.4.2 OECF measurement. 9
5.4.3 Adjustment of illumination . 9
5.4.4 Test densities . 9
6 Calculation of metrics . 9
6.1 General . 9
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
6.2 Noise . 10
6.2.1 General . 10
6.2.2 Determining the noise for luminance measurements . 11
6.2.3 Determining the noise for exposure measurements . 11
6.3 Signal-to-noise ratios — large area. 12
6.3.1 General . 12
6.3.2 Determining the reference luminance and luminance value for calculating signal-to-
noise ratio . 12
6.3.3 Determining the signal-to-total noise ratio . 13
6.3.4 Determining the temporal signal-to-noise ratio . 14
6.3.5 Determining the fixed pattern signal-to-noise ratio . 14
6.3.6 Determining the exposure values and the signal-to-noise ratios for exposure
measurements . 15
6.4 DSC dynamic range . 15
6.4.1 General . 15
6.4.2 Determining the DSC dynamic range for luminance measurements . 15
6.4.3 Determining the DSC dynamic range for exposure measurements . 16
7 Presentation of results . 17
7.1 General . 17
7.2 Signal-to-noise ratios . 17
7.3 DSC dynamic range . 17
Annex A (normative) Noise component analysis . 18
Annex B (normative) Visual noise measurements . 24
Annex C (normative) Removing low frequency variations from the image signals . 33
Annex D (informative) Procedure for determining signal-to-noise ratio . 34
Annex E (informative) Practical viewing conditions for various output media . 36
Annex F (informative) Introduction of perceptually uniform mapping of visual noise to
noisiness JND . 37
Bibliography . 39
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO
collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directiveswww.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Det
...

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15739
Fourth edition
Photography — Electronic still-picture
imaging — Noise measurements
Photographie — Imagerie des prises de vue électroniques —
Mesurages du bruit
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
Reference number
ISO 15739:2023(E)
© ISO 2023

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ISO 15739:2023(E)
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© ISO 2023
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Test conditions .3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Illumination . 4
4.2.1 Characteristics . 4
4.2.2 Daylight illumination . 4
4.2.3 Tungsten illumination . 4
4.2.4 Uniformity of illumination and reflection test chart illumination geometry . 4
4.2.5 Light source amplitude variations . 4
4.3 Temperature and relative humidity . 4
4.4 White balance . 5
4.5 Infrared (IR) blocking filter . 5
4.6 Photosite integration time . 5
4.7 Compression . 5
5 Noise measurement procedures . 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Measurement of a DSC using a test chart . 5
5.2.1 General . 5
5.2.2 OECF measurement . 5
5.2.3 Adjustment of illumination . 6
5.2.4 Test chart. 6
5.2.5 Non-uniformity and image structure spatial components . 6
5.2.6 Camera lens focus . 6
5.3 Measurement of a DSC having manual exposure control . 7
5.3.1 General . 7
5.3.2 OECF measurement . 7
5.3.3 Adjustment of illumination . 8
5.3.4 Test densities . 8
5.3.5 Diffuser setting . 8
5.3.6 Camera lens focus . 8
5.4 Measurement of a DSC having a removable lens . 9
5.4.1 General . 9
5.4.2 OECF measurement . 9
5.4.3 Adjustment of illumination . 9
5.4.4 Test densities . 9
6 Calculation of metrics .10
6.1 General . 10
6.2 Noise . 10
6.2.1 General . 10
6.2.2 Determining the noise for luminance measurements . 11
6.2.3 Determining the noise for exposure measurements .12
6.3 Signal-to-noise ratios — large area .12
6.3.1 General .12
6.3.2 Determining the reference luminance and luminance value for calculating
signal-to-noise ratio .12
6.3.3 Determining the signal-to-total noise ratio .13
6.3.4 Determining the temporal signal-to-noise ratio . 14
6.3.5 Determining the fixed pattern signal-to-noise ratio . 14
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
6.3.6 Determining the exposure values and the signal-to-noise ratios for
exposure measurements . 15
6.4 DSC dynamic range . 15
6.4.1 General .15
6.4.2 Determining the DSC dynamic range for luminance measurements .15
6.4.3 Determining the DSC dynamic range for exposure measurements . 17
7 Presentation of results .17
7.1 General . 17
7.2 Signal-to-noise ratios . 17
7.3 DSC dynamic range . 17
Annex A (normative) Noise component analysis .18
Annex B (normative) Visual noise measurements .24
Annex C (normative) Removing low frequency variations from the image signals .34
Annex D (informative) Procedure for determining signal-to-noise ratio .35
Annex E (informative) Practical viewing conditions for various output media .37
Annex F (informative) Introduction of perceptually uniform mapping of visual noise to
noisiness JND.38
Bibliography .41
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 42, Photography.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 15739:2017), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— several terms and definitions have been modified, added, and deleted (see Clause 3);
— calculation procedures of camera noise, signal-to-noise ratios, and DSC dynamic range have been
revised for measurement accuracy (see Clause 6);
— presentation of results has been specified expressly (see Clause 7);
— description of noise component analysis has been revised to be more detailed (see Annex A);
— measurement method of visual noise has been revised to model the human visual system more
closely (see Annex B);
— method for removing low frequency variations from the image signals has been revised and changed
from informative to normative processing (see Annex C);
— description of procedure for determining signal-to-noise ratio has been revised (see Annex D);
— introduction of perceptually uniform mapping of visual noise to noisiness JND has been added (see
Annex F).
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
Introduction
Noise is an important attribute of electronic still-picture imaging. If noticeable levels of noise exist
in the images captured by a camera, then detail textures of objects are lost in reproduction and the
visibility of the images is degraded. Therefore, measurement methods for noise are very important and
are needed to provide important information relevant to evaluating image fidelity and the visibility of
noise in captured images. Measurement methods are also important for assessing camera performance
relative to these image quality factors.
The primary sources of noise in captured images are photon shot noise, dark current shot noise,
analogue processing readout noise of image sensors, and quantization noise of A/D converters. This
type of noise source adds spatially random noise to captured still images, whose spatial pattern differs
from frame to frame. The other type of noise source includes dark current pattern noise, row/column
pattern noise, and photo response non-uniformity of image sensors. This type of noise source also
introduces spatially random noise in captured images; however, its spatial pattern does not change
under the same shooting conditions.
The noise level introduced by these sources in output images is highly dependent on shooting conditions,
such as the camera exposure time, aperture value, and ISO sensitivity. Camera operating temperature is
also an influential factor. Some camera processing, such as contrast amplification and noise reduction,
heavily influence the noise spectrum, in addition to the noise level itself.
The image quality metrics described in this document are determined from the measurement of
spatially distributed noise in the output still image that is viewed by an observer. The metrics include
the effect of the internal camera processing on the distribution and level of the noise.
When observers view output images, several factors affect how they perceive noise in images, in
addition to the noise level itself. Observers view noise differently depending on the apparent tone of the
area being viewed, the luminance and colour channels where noise exists, the noise spectrum, and the
viewing conditions.
This document specifies methods for measuring noise and related metrics of digital still cameras
accounting for these influential factors. Measurement conditions are specified to minimize the influence
of disturbance factors, to ensure that temporal and spatial statistical property changes are negligible,
and to provide a good estimate of the noise level.
The main body of this document specifies methods for measuring input-referred noise, signal-to-noise
ratios, and DSC dynamic range. Noise is determined as an estimate of the perceived noise computed
using root mean square values measured in image signals linearized from the camera output signals.
The two types of spatially random noise, temporal and fixed pattern, are determined using a noise
component analysis applied to multiple captured images, the details of which are provided in Annex A.
Annex B describes a procedure for measuring the visual noise (an output-referred noise metric) using a
human visual model that aims to predict the perceived quality of the image. The model weights spectral
components of the noise and takes into account the noise spectrum, viewing conditions, and the
perceived difference between luminance and colour channels. The metric has been shown to provide a
high level of correlation with human perception of noise in images.
Low frequency variations may be introduced in the captured image due to lens shading and non-
uniform test chart illumination. Since these variations can influence the noise measurement a method
for removing low frequency variations from the image is provided in Annex C.
Annex D provides a recommended step-by-step procedure for determining the signal-to-noise ratio.
Annex E describes recommendations for practical viewing conditions for various output media.
Annex F introduces perceptually uniform mapping of visual noise to noisiness JND.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15739:2023(E)
Photography — Electronic still-picture imaging — Noise
measurements
1 Scope
This document specifies methods for measuring and reporting the noise versus signal level and dynamic
range of digital still cameras. It applies to both monochrome and colour electronic digital still cameras.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 554, Standard atmospheres for conditioning and/or testing — Specifications
ISO 7589:2002, Photography — Illuminants for sensitometry — Specifications for daylight, incandescent
tungsten and printer
ISO 12232:2019, Photography — Digital still cameras — Determination of exposure index, ISO speed
ratings, standard output sensitivity, and recommended exposure index
ISO 14524, Photography — Electronic still-picture cameras — Methods for measuring opto-electronic
conversion functions (OECFs)
ITU-R BT.709-6, Parameter values for the HDTV Standards for production and International programme
exchange
IEC 61966-2–1, Multimedia systems and equipment — Colour measurement and management — Part 2-1:
Colour management — Default RGB colour space — sRGB
IEC 61966-2–1/Amd.1:2003, Multimedia systems and equipment — Colour measurement and management
— Part 2-1: Colour management — Default RGB colour space — sRGB — Amendment 1
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
camera opto-electronic conversion function
camera OECF
relationship between the input scene log luminances and the output pixel values for an opto-electronic
digital capture system
2
Note 1 to entry: The unit of luminance (L) is cd/m . Log luminance is dimensionless, expressed as log (L/L ),
10 0
2
where L = 1 cd/m .
0
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
3.2
clipping value
pixel value that remains constant for further increases in exposure (highlight clipping value) or for
further decreases in exposure (dark clipping value)
3.3
digital still camera
DSC
camera that produces a digital still image from the digitized output of a solid-state photo sensor and
records the digital still image using a digital memory, such as a removable memory card
3.4
DSC dynamic range
ratio of the input signal (luminance or exposure) saturation level to the minimum input signal level that
can be captured with a signal-to-temporal noise ratio of at least 1
Note 1 to entry: Determined in accordance with ISO 15739.
3.5
exposure time
total time period during which the photo sensor is able to integrate the light from the scene to form an
image
3.6
focal plane opto-electronic conversion function
focal plane OECF
relationship between the input focal plane log exposures and the output pixel values for an opto-
electronic digital image capture system
Note 1 to entry: The unit of exposure (H) is lx⋅s. Log exposure is dimensionless, expressed as log (H/H ), where
10 0
H = 1 lx⋅s.
0
3.7
image sensor
electronic device which converts incident electromagnetic radiation into an electronic signal
Note 1 to entry: A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor and a charge coupled device
(CCD) image sensor are examples of image sensors.
3.8
noise
unwanted variations in the response of an imaging system
3.8.1
total noise
all the unwanted variations, consisting of fixed pattern noise (3.8.2) and temporal noise (3.8.3), of the
values in the image signals captured by a single exposure
Note 1 to entry: The procedure in this document for calculating the total noise requires multiple frames.
3.8.2
fixed pattern noise
FPN
unwanted spatial pixel variations of the values in the image signals which remain constant from frame
to frame given the same illumination, aperture value, integration time, and ISO sensitivity setting
Note 1 to entry: Most fixed pattern noise (FPN) varies in digital number with sensor gain and ISO sensitivity
setting and cannot, therefore, be considered static relative to exposure. There are three classes of fixed
pattern noise, (1) static with integration time, for example, pixel FPN, column FPN and row FPN, (2) varies with
integration time, for example dark current FPN, but static from frame to frame, and (3) signal dependent FPN
such as photo response non-uniformity (PRNU), but still static from frame to frame.
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
Note 2 to entry: PRNU is a pixel to pixel gain mismatch. It is normally expressed as a percentage of signal because
it is a gain error. It is static from frame to frame and, thus, contributes to fixed pattern noise but its magnitude is
a function of signal level. It is, therefore, considered as a signal dependent FPN.
3.8.3
temporally varying noise
temporal noise
unwanted variation in the values of the image signals that changes from frame to frame due to sensor
dark current shot noise, photon shot noise, analogue processing, and quantization
3.9
noise spectrum
curve or equation which expresses the image noise as a function of two-dimensional image spatial
frequencies
3.10
saturation
condition where the camera output signal reaches the maximum valid (not clipped or bloomed) value
3.10.1
exposure saturation
minimum focal plane exposure that produces the maximum valid (not clipped or bloomed) camera
output signal
Note 1 to entry: The exposure saturation is expressed in lux-seconds (lx⋅s).
3.10.2
luminance saturation
minimum scene luminance that produces the maximum valid (not clipped or bloomed) camera output
signal
2
Note 1 to entry: The luminance saturation is expressed in candelas per square meter (cd/m ).
Note 2 to entry: The luminance saturation is determined for a fixed exposure setting of the camera under test.
3.11
signal-to-noise ratio
ratio of the input signal (luminance or exposure) level to the root mean square (rms) noise level, at a
particular signal level
Note 1 to entry: In this document, the output pixel value is converted to an input signal level by applying the
inverse OECF. The average of the input signal levels corresponds to the scene luminance (focal plane exposure)
value when capturing an image. Unwanted variations exist in the converted input signal level that are centred
about its average. This variation in input signal level is noise and is measured as the rms value.
Note 2 to entry: This is typically expressed as a graph or table showing the signal-to-noise ratio versus input
signal level for the full range of input signal levels.
3.12
test density
spectrally non-selective transmittance filter used to reduce an input luminance to a predefined ratio of
the unfiltered luminance
4 Test conditions
4.1 General
The following measurement conditions should be used as nominal conditions when measuring the
noise of a DSC. If it is not possible or appropriate to achieve these nominal operating conditions, the
actual operating conditions shall be listed along with the reported results.
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ISO 15739:2023(E)
4.2 Illumination
4.2.1 Characteristics
The noise measurements shall indicate whether illumination conforming to the standard photographic
daylight or tungsten illuminant was used. ISO 7589 describes the procedures for determining if the
characteristics of the illumination used in a specific noise determination test are an acceptable match
to the standard photographic daylight and tungsten illuminants.
4.2.2 Daylight illumination
For daylight measurements without the camera lens, illumination conforming to the ISO sensitometric
daylight illuminant specified in ISO 7589:2002, Table 1 shall be used. This illuminant is defined as the
product of the spectral power distribution of CIE Illuminant D55 and the spectral transmittance of the
ISO standard camera lens. For measurements with the camera lens in place, the spectral characteristics
of the illumination shall conform to CIE illuminant D55.
4.2.3 Tungsten illumination
For tungsten measurements without the camera lens, illumination conforming to the ISO sensitometric
tungste
...