I have an answer for my own question (from another thread)
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2) I see that it's true that changing the IS0 (as in dual ISO) appears to work for the noise as advertised. Does that mean Canon has some analog gain that this affects? Or is this because of the +0.3 ev I see in parenthesis?
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A particular camera (sensor) has a point (like 3200 ISO) where it shifts from analog to digital gain.
i.e. so over 3200 one would be better to do it in post (at least if they shoot RAW)
Pierre