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 1/100th lines per picture height. So a value of 15 equates to 1500 lines per picture height. Lenses used: Canon EF 50 mm F1.4 / Nikkor 50 mm F1.4, stopped down to F9.0 (aperture selected for optimum sharpness). Studio light, cameras set to Program AE, default parameters.

Nikon D70 Canon EOS 300D
Canon EOS 10D Nikon D100

Nikon D70 Canon EOS 300D
Canon EOS 10D Nikon D100

Nikon D70 Canon EOS 300D
Canon EOS 10D Nikon D100

Nikon D70 Canon EOS 300D
Canon EOS 10D Nikon D100

Nikon D70 Canon EOS 300D
Canon EOS 10D Nikon D100

Measurable findings (three measurements taken for each camera):

Camera Measurement Absolute
Res.		 Extinction
Res.
Nikon D70 Horiz LPH 1600  * 1850 
Vert LPH 1450  * 1850 
5° Diagonal LPH + 1000  n/a 
Canon EOS 300D Horiz LPH 1600  1900 
Vert LPH 1450  1850 
5° Diagonal LPH + 1000  n/a 
Canon EOS 10D Horiz LPH 1600  1900 
Vert LPH 1450  1850 
5° Diagonal LPH + 1000  n/a 
Nikon D100 Horiz LPH 1600  * 1850 
Vert LPH 1300  * 1700 
5° Diagonal LPH + 1000  n/a 

* Moiré is visible, + Chart maximum

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.

A noticeable improvement in sharpness between the D70 and D100, resolution slightly higher. The D70 clearly on terms (and in some instances slightly better) than the EOS 300D / EOS 10D however there is clearly strong visible moiré at the limits of resolution.

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