Nikon D2H Review: 25. Compared to...: Digital Photography Review

Resolution Chart Comparison

Shots here are of the PIMA/ISO 12233 standard resolution test chart (more of which are available in our comparison database). This resolution 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 1/100^th lines per picture height. So a value of 15 equates to 1500 lines per picture height. For each camera the relevant 50 mm prime lens was used (Olympus 50 mm F2.0, Canon 50 mm F1.4, Nikkor 50 mm F1.4). The chart is shot at a full range of apertures and the sharpest image selected.

Studio light, cameras set to auto, all settings factory default. Aperture selected for optimum sharpness. Exposure compensation +0.7 EV to +1.3 EV.


Nikon D2H	Canon EOS-1D

Olympus E-1	Canon EOS 10D


Nikon D2H	Canon EOS-1D

Olympus E-1	Canon EOS 10D


Nikon D2H	Canon EOS-1D

Olympus E-1	Canon EOS 10D


Nikon D2H	Canon EOS-1D

Olympus E-1	Canon EOS 10D


Nikon D2H	Canon EOS-1D

Olympus E-1	Canon EOS 10D


Nikon D2H	Canon EOS-1D

Olympus E-1	Canon EOS 10D

Measurable findings (three measurements taken for each camera):

Camera	Measurement	Absolute Res.	Extinction Res.
Nikon D2H	Horiz LPH	1400	* 1600
	Vert LPH	1200	* 1550
	5° Diagonal LPH	1000	n/a
Canon EOS-1D	Horiz LPH	1400	* 1700
	Vert LPH	1200	* 1700
	5° Diagonal LPH	1000	n/a
Olympus E-1	Horiz LPH	* 1400	* 1700
	Vert LPH	* 1250	* 1650
	5° Diagonal LPH	* 1000	n/a
Canon EOS 10D	Horiz LPH	1600	1900
	Vert LPH	1450	1850
	5° Diagonal LPH	1000	n/a

* Visible moiré pattern

Definition of terms:

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 Resolution	Still defined detail (below Nyquist frequency*)
Extinction Resolution	Detail beyond camera's definition (becomes a solid gray alias)
n/a	Not Available (above the capability of the test chart)
n/v	Not Visible (not visible on test results)

* Nyquist frequency defined as the highest spatial frequency where the sensor can
still faithfully record image detail. Beyond the Nyquist frequency aliasing occurs.

The Nikon D2H delivers a very similar resolution performance as the Canon EOS-1D. This isn't that surprising, it's about as much as we would expect to see from a four megapixel (digital SLR) sensor and is very respectable. Remember that in our comparison of RAW vs. JPEG earlier in this review the RAW converted resolution chart had slightly more resolution and less visible artifacts.

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