Resolution Chart Comparison
Shots here are of our new '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 +0.7 EV to +1.3 EV (depending on the camera).
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| Canon EOS 400D (2,720 KB; 10 MP) | Nikon D80 (2,769 KB; 10 MP) |
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| Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 (2,213 KB; 10 MP) | Canon EOS 350D (2,418 KB; 8.2 MP) |
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| Canon EOS 400D | Nikon D80 |
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| Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 | Canon EOS 350D (8 MP) |
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| Canon EOS 400D | Nikon D80 |
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| Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 | Canon EOS 350D (8 MP) |
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| Canon EOS 400D | Nikon D80 |
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| Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 | Canon EOS 350D (8 MP) |
Measurable findings (three measurements taken for each camera):
| Camera | Measurement | Absolute resolution |
Extinction resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS 400D | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | 2300 |
| Vertical LPH | 1800 | 2300 | |
| Nikon D80 | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | 2300 |
| Vertical LPH | 1800 | 2300 | |
| Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | 2900 |
| Vertical LPH | 1800 | 2800 | |
| Canon EOS 350D | Horizontal LPH | 1850 | 2100 |
| Vertical LPH | 1650 | 2100 |
| * | Moire 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 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) |
If you've read our D80 review then you'll not be that surprised to see these results, exactly the same 'absolute resolution' as the Nikon D80 and Sony DSLR-A100. The only significant difference being that Sony's image processing continues detail beyond the 2300 LPH extinction point produced by the other two ten megapixel cameras. More 'detail' (texture is probably a more accurate description) is available from RAW.
