The paper identifies noise characteristics of a nonliner image sensor model which reflects a saturation effect of each detector pixel and extends the result to estimate an image SNR (Signla-to-Noise Ratio) distribution over all the pixels in a detector. In particular, nonlinearity of a pixel is studied from two perspectives of including asymmetry of a noise PDF (Probability Distribution Function) and enhancing a pixel SNR value, in comparison to a linear model. It is noted that the proposed image SNR distribution function is useful to effectively select new optimal operation parameter values: an integration time and an pixel-summing number, even after a launch campaign, assuming sensor gain degradation in orbit or inevitable modification of some operation parameter values due to space contingency.