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.
 |
 |
| Canon EOS 500D (4.4MB, 15.1 MP) | Nikon D5000 (3.5 MB; 12.3 MP) |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Olympus E-620 (6.4 MB, 12.3 MP) | Canon EOS 450D (2.6 MB, 12.2 MP) |
 |
 |
| Canon EOS 500D | Nikon D5000 |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Olympus E-620 | Canon EOS 450D |
 |
 |
| Canon EOS 500D | Nikon D5000 |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Olympus E-620 | Canon EOS 450D |
 |
 |
| Canon EOS 500D | Nikon D5000 |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Olympus E-620 | Canon EOS 450D |
Measurable results
| Camera | Measurement | Absolute resolution |
Extinction resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS 500D | Horizontal LPH | 2350 | * 2800 |
| Vertical LPH | 2300 | * 2650 | |
| Nikon D5000 | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | * 2650 |
| Vertical LPH | 2100 | * 2600 | |
| Olympus E-620 | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | * 2550 |
| Vertical LPH | 2150 | * 2550 | |
| Canon EOS 450D | Horizontal LPH | 2300 | * 2500 |
| Vertical LPH | 2200 | * 2500 |
| * | 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 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) |
The results of this resolution test are in line with what we've seen on the previous studio scene comparison pages: the EOS 500D's nominal advantage in resolution (i.e. megapixels) over its predecessor only results in a very marginal increase of measured resolution. The JPEG output of both the Nikon and Olympus can't quite match the Canons in this test. All cameras show at least mild signs of moire.
