Resolution Chart Comparison
Shots here are of our 'version two' 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 the relevant prime lens was used. 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 of white area. Note we didn't have Olympus E-420 resolution charts in time for this review, so have used the E-510 instead.
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| Canon EOS 450D |
Olympus E-510 |
 |
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| Nikon D60 |
Canon EOS 400D |
 |
 |
| Sony Alpha 350 |
Canon EOS 40D |
 |
 |
| Canon EOS 450D |
Olympus E-510 |
 |
 |
| Nikon D60 |
Canon EOS 400D |
 |
 |
| Sony Alpha 350 |
Canon EOS 40D |
 |
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| Canon EOS 450D |
Olympus E-510 |
 |
 |
| Nikon D60 |
Canon EOS 400D |
 |
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| Sony Alpha 350 |
Canon EOS 40D |
Measurable results
| Camera |
Measurement |
Absolute
resolution |
Extinction
resolution |
| Canon EOS 450D |
Horizontal LPH |
2300 |
* 2500 |
| Vertical LPH |
2200 |
* 2500 |
| Canon EOS 40D |
Horizontal LPH |
2100 |
2300 |
| Vertical LPH |
1800 |
2300 |
| Nikon D60 |
Horizontal LPH |
2200 |
2300 |
| Vertical LPH |
1800 |
2300 |
| Sony Alpha 350 |
Horizontal LPH |
2300 |
2700 |
| Vertical LPH |
2200 |
2500 |
| Canon EOS 400D |
Horizontal LPH |
2200 |
2300 |
| Vertical LPH |
1800 |
2300 |
| Olympus E-510 |
Horizontal LPH |
* 2050 |
* 2300 |
| Vertical LPH |
* 1800 |
* 2300 |
| * |
Moire is visible |
| + |
Chart maximum |
| LPH |
Lines per Picture Height (to allow for different aspect ratios the measurement is the same for horizontal and vertical) |
| Absolute resolution |
Point at which all lines of a resolution bar are still visible and defined, beyond this resolution loss of detail occurs (below Nyquist frequency). |
| Extinction resolution |
Detail beyond camera's definition (becomes aliased) |
As well as a higher pixel count the EOS 450D would appear to have a fairly light low-pass filter (for a Canon) as it produces some of the highest resolution figures we've seen from a consumer grade EOS - and some of the highest in this class of camera. The downside is a little moiré as you approach extinction, though it's fairly well controlled and overall the results look pretty clean, The default settings are, as usual with Canon, a touch over-sharpened for our liking, but that's easy to fix. Interestingly the Sony Alpha 350 produces very similar resolution with an extra two million pixels, though the output is a lot softer.
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