Resolution Chart Comparison
Comparison cameras:
- Canon PowerShot S3 IS (6 MP, 12x zoom)
- Panasonic DMC-FZ7 (6 MP, 12 x zoom)
- Sony DSC-H2 (6 MP, 10x zoom)
- Canon PowerShot S2 IS (5 MP, 12x zoom)
Shots here are of our standard resolution chart (version one or two). This chart allows us to measure the actual performance of the lens and sensor system. It measures the ability of the camera to resolve lines at gradually higher resolutions and enables us to provide a definitive value for comparison purposes. Values on the chart are 1/100th lines per picture height. So a value of 15 equates to 1500 lines per picture height. (Note that on version two of our chart the vertical resolution 1000 - 2000 lines have been horizontally flipped but are otherwise identical). 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 auto, settings all factory default. If possible aperture was selected for optimum sharpness. Exposure compensation +0.7 EV to +1.3 EV.
Resolution Chart Crops
|
|
| Canon S3 IS |
Sony DSC-H2 |
|
|
| Panasonic DMC-FZ7 |
Canon S2 IS |
 |
 |
|
| Canon S3 IS |
Sony DSC-H2 |
 |
 |
| Panasonic DMC-FZ7 |
Canon S2 IS |
Measurable findings
| Camera |
Measurement |
Absolute
resolution |
Extinction
resolution |
| Canon PowerShot S3 IS |
Horizontal LPH |
1400 |
*1700 |
| Vertical LPH |
1450 |
*1850 |
| 5° Diagonal LPH |
+1000 ‡ |
n/a |
| Canon PowerShot S2 IS |
Horizontal LPH |
1350 ‡ |
* 1550 ‡ |
| Vertical LPH |
* 1400 ‡ |
* 1650 ‡ |
| 5° Diagonal LPH |
+1000 ‡ |
n/a |
| Sony DSC-H2 |
Horizontal LPH |
* 1450 |
* 1850 |
| Vertical LPH |
* 1550 |
* 1850 |
| 5° Diagonal LPH |
+1000 |
n/a |
| Panasonic DMC-FZ7 |
Horizontal LPH |
1400 |
*1800 |
| Vertical LPH |
1500 |
*1850 |
| 5° Diagonal LPH |
+1000 |
n/a |
| * |
Moiré is visible |
| + |
Chart maximum |
| ‡ |
Jagged diagonals |
| LPH |
Lines per Picture Height (to allow for different aspect ratios the measurement is the same for horizontal and vertical) |
| 5° Diagonal |
Lines set at 5° diagonal |
| Absolute res. |
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 res. |
Detail beyond camera's definition (becomes aliased) |
| n/a |
Not Available (above the capability of the test chart) |
| n/v |
Not Visible (not visible on test results) |
Although it can hardly be described as a 'great leap', the S3 IS does offer a small resolution improvement over its predecessor (the S2 IS). There is little between any of the better cameras in this class (the three six megapixel models here are the top performers), though the S3 can't quite match the new Sony H2. Not bad at all. |
Please wait, fetching latest prices.
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