Resolution Chart Comparison
Comparison cameras:
- Sony DSC-H2 (6 MP, 10x zoom)
- Canon PowerShot S3 IS (6 MP, 12x zoom)
- Panasonic DMC-FZ7 (6 MP, 12 x zoom)
- Kodak Z650 (5 MP, 10x 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
|
|
| Sony DSC-H2 |
Canon S3 IS |
|
|
| Panasonic DMC-FZ7 |
kodak EasyShare Z650 |
 |
|
 |
| Sony DSC-H2 |
Canon S3 IS |
 |
 |
| Panasonic DMC-FZ7 |
Kodak EasyShare Z650 |
Measurable findings
| Camera |
Measurement |
Absolute
resolution |
Extinction
resolution |
| Sony DSC-H2 |
Horizontal LPH |
* 1450 |
* 1850 |
| Vertical LPH |
* 1550 |
* 1850 |
| 5° Diagonal LPH |
+1000 |
n/a |
| Canon PowerShot S3 IS |
Horizontal LPH |
1400 |
*1700 |
| Vertical LPH |
1450 |
*1850 |
| 5° Diagonal LPH |
+1000 ‡ |
n/a |
| Kodak EasyShare Z650 |
Horizontal LPH |
1350 |
*1650 |
| Vertical LPH |
1350 |
*1650 |
| 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) |
There's not a lot between any of the better 6MP super zoom cameras, but the H2 is right near the top of the pile. Resolution is excellent, and as these crops show, there's no evidence of over sharpening. In fact aside from a little moiré as you approach extinction, these are very clean - and very impressive - results, that offer a small, but measurable improvement over the H1. |
