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.
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| Canon EOS 7D (4.8MB, 18 MP) | Canon EOS 50D (4.1 MB, 15.1 MP) |
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| Nikon D300s (3.4 MB; 12 MP) | Pentax K7 (8.6 MB, 14.5 MP) |
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| Canon EOS 7D | Canon EOS 50D |
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| Nikon D300s | Pentax K7 |
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| Canon EOS 7D | Canon EOS 50D |
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| Nikon D300s | Pentax K7 |
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| Canon EOS 7D | Canon EOS 50D |
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| Nikon D300s | Pentax K7 |
Measurable results
| Camera | Measurement | Absolute resolution |
Extinction resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS 7D | Horizontal LPH | 2500 | * 3100 |
| Vertical LPH | 2450 | * 3050 | |
| Canon EOS 50D | Horizontal LPH | 2250 | 2700 |
| Vertical LPH | 2200 | 2700 | |
| Nikon D300s | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | 2300 |
| Vertical LPH | 2100 | 2600 | |
| Pentax K7 | Horizontal LPH | 2300 | * 2700 |
| Vertical LPH | 2250 | * 2650 |
| * | Moiré 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 Canon EOS 7D makes the most out of its 18 MP sensor and delivers the highest resolution that we have so far seen on an APS-C DSLR. There are some signs of moire at very high frequencies but it outresolves all other cameras in this comparison in terms of both absolute and extinction resolution. However, when looking at these results it has to be considered that they, like in all our studio tests, have been achieved with stopped down prime lenses. In most real-life situations you would struggle to get the same amount of resolution in your images.
