Resolution Chart Comparison (JPEG)
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.
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| Leica X1 (4.3 MB; 12 MP) | Nikon D300S (3.4 MB; 12 MP) |
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| Panasonic GF1 (4.3 MB, 12.3 MP) | Olympus E-P1 (5.4 MB, 12.3 MP) |
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| Canon Powershot G11 (1.6 MB, 10MP) | Panasonic LX3 (3.4 MB, 10 MP) |
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| Leica X1 | Nikon D300S |
|---|---|
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| Panasonic GF1 | Olympus E-P1 |
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| Canon Powershot G11 | Panasonic LX3 |
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| Leica X1 | Nikon D300S |
|---|---|
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| Panasonic GF1 | Olympus E-P1 |
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| Canon Powershot G11 | Panasonic LX3 |
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| Leica X1 | Nikon D300S |
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| Panasonic GF1 | Olympus E-P1 |
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| Canon Powershot G11 | Panasonic LX3 |
Measurable results
| Camera | Measurement | Absolute resolution |
Extinction resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leica X1 | Horizontal LPH | 2100 | 2400* |
| Vertical LPH | 2000 | 2200* | |
| Nikon D300S | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | 2500 |
| Vertical LPH | 2100 | 2600 | |
| Panasonic DMC-GF1 | Horizontal LPH | 2250 | 2600 |
| Vertical LPH | 2200 | 2550 | |
| Olympus E-P1 | Horizontal LPH | 2300 | 2750 |
| Vertical LPH | 2250 | 2650 | |
| Canon PowerShot G11 | Horizontal LPH | 2000 | 2250 |
| Vertical LPH | 2050 | 2400 | |
| Panasonic LX3 | Horizontal LPH | 2150 | 2400 |
| Vertical LPH | 2150 | 2500 |
| * | Moiré 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 we've seen before, the X1's JPEGs aren't the best at delivering fine detail, meaning it lags behind the D300S despite having nominally identical resolution. It's also doing worse than either of the Micro Four Thirds cameras (here using the superb Olympus 50mm F2.0) or indeed the 10Mp LX3. The X1's JPEGs show lots of blue and orange color moire in this comparison too; all-in-all a disappointing showing.
