Images on this page are of our standard resolution chart which provides for measurement of resolution up to 4000 LPH (Lines Per Picture Height). A value of 20 equates to 2000 lines per picture height. For each camera we use the relevant prime lens (the same one we use for all the other tests in a particular review). The chart is shot at a full range of apertures and the sharpest image selected. Studio light, cameras set to aperture priority (optimum aperture selected), image parameters default. Exposure compensation set to deliver approximately 80% luminance in the white areas.
What we want to show here is how well the camera is able to resolve the detail in our standard test chart compared to the theoretical maximum resolution of the sensor, which for the charts we shoot is easy to work out - it's simply the number of vertical pixels (the chart shows the number of single lines per picture height, the theoretical limit is 1 line per pixel). Beyond this limit (when talking about line pairs usually referred to as the Nyquist frequency) the sensor cannot faithfully record image detail and aliasing occurs.
This limit is rarely attained, because the majority of sensors are fitted with anti-aliasing filters. Anti-aliasing filters are designed to reduce unpleasant moiré effects, but in doing so, they also reduce resolution (the relative strength and quality of these filters varies from camera to camera). In theory though, a sensor without an AA filter, when coupled with a 'perfect' lens, will deliver resolution equal to its Nyquist limit. Therefore, even though it may be effectively unattainable with normal equipment in normal shooting situations, an understanding of a sensor's theoretical limit provides a useful benchmark for best possible performance. Nyquist is indicated in these crops with a red line.
Note that while we usually compare both JPEG and Raw on the same page, here we've put just JPEG from both the RX1 and RX1R alongside one another, to compare the results with and without a low-pass filter. Look to the next page to compare Raw images from both cameras.
| RX1 (6000 x 4000) 4.6MB | RX1R (6000 x 4000) 5.0MB |
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| RX1 |
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| RX1R |
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| RX1 | RX1R |
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In terms of actual resolution, there's not much difference between the RX1R and the RX1 in JPEG mode, although it is very clear that the RX1R's JPEGs are more prone to moiré than those from the RX1. The lines in our studio resolution chart begin to merge together a little beyond 2800LPH in images from both cameras, although the RX1R's output is a little sharper, giving the appearance of slightly greater detail up until around 3400LPH at which point moiré becomes intense.
Sony DSCRX1R/B 24MP Compact System Cyber-Shot Digital Still Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen (Black) | $2,798.00 |
Sony DSCRX1R/B 24MP Compact System Cyber-Shot Digital Still Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen (Black) | $2,798.00 |
Sony DSC-RX1/B Cyber-shot Full-frame Digital Camera | $2,798.00 |
Focus Camera Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M2/B RX100M2 RX100M II RX100MII 20.2MP Wi-Fi Digital Camera with F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens and Full HD 1080p Video at 60fps + Sony 64GB SDHC Class 10 Memory Card + Wasabi NP-BX1 Battery Pack + Sony Camera Case + Micro HDMI Cable + Focus Multi Memory Card Wallet | $748.00 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M2/B RX100M2 RX100M II RX100MII 20.2MP Wi-Fi Digital Camera Bundle with Sony 32GB Memory Card + Wasabi Power Replacement Battery for Sony DSC-RX1 + Sony Black Carrying Case + Wrist Grip Strap + Camera Accessories | $768.00 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100M2/B RX100M2 RX100M II RX100MII 20.2MP Wi-Fi Digital Camera Bundle with Sony 32GB Memory Card + All-in-One Card Reader + Sony Black Carrying Case + Wrist Grip Strap + Camera Accessories | $748.00 |
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 II Wi-Fi Digital Camera (Black) with 64GB Card + Battery & Charger + Case + Flash + Tripod + Accessory Kit | $799.95 |
Sony Cyber-shot Digital Camera RX1R RX1R/B RX1 DSC-RX1R/B 64GB Electronic... | $3,149.00 |
Sony Cyber-shot Digital Camera RX1R RX1R/B RX1 DSC-RX1R/B 32GB Deluxe Kit | $2,899.00 |
Sony Cyber-shot Digital Camera RX1R RX1R/B RX1 DSC-RX1R/B 64GB + Lenses Deluxe Kit | $3,049.00 |
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 II Wi-Fi Digital Camera (Black) with 32GB Card + Case + Battery & Charger + Tripod + HDMI Cable + Accessory Kit | $749.95 |
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