Images on this page are of our standard 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 we use the relevant prime lens (the same one we use for all the other tests in a particular review). 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 in the white areas.
What we want to show here is how well the camera is able to resolve the detail in our standard test chart compared to the theoretical maximum resolution of the sensor, which for the charts we shoot is easy to work out - it's simply the number of vertical pixels (the chart shows the number of single lines per picture height, the theoretical limit is 1 line per pixel). Beyond this limit (which when talking about line pairs is usually referred to as the Nyquist frequency) the sensor cannot faithfully record image detail and aliasing occurs.
This limit is rarely attained, because the majority of sensors are fitted with anti-aliasing filters. Anti-aliasing filters are designed to reduce unpleasant moiré effects, but in doing so, they also reduce resolution (the relative strength and quality of these filters varies from camera to camera). In theory though, a sensor without an AA filter, when coupled with a 'perfect' lens, will deliver resolution equal to its Nyquist limit. Therefore, even though it may be effectively unattainable with normal equipment in normal shooting situations, an understanding of a sensor's theoretical limit provides a useful benchmark for best possible performance. Nyquist is indicated in these crops with a red line.
On this page we're looking at both JPEG and Raw resolution. For a (more) level playing field we convert the latter using Adobe Camera Raw. Because Adobe Camera Raw applies different levels of sharpening to different cameras (this confirmed) we use the following workflow for these conversions:
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| JPEG (4000 x 3000) 3.1MB | Raw (4000 x 3000) 4.0MB |
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| JPEG |
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| Raw |
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| JPEG | Raw |
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The X20 does better than expected in the resolution test chart. In the JPEG sample, the nine distinct lines last until roughly 2100 LPH. The Raw version gives you a bit more apparent resolution, with the lines disappearing at around 2200 LPH. Artifacting starts to appear as you approach the Nyquist limit, which is not surprising.
Fujifilm X20 12 MP Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD (Silver) | $599.00 |
Fujifilm X20 12 MP Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD (Silver) | $599.00 |
Fujifilm X20 12 MP Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD (Black) | $599.00 |
Fujifilm X10 12 MP EXR CMOS Digital Camera with f2.0-f2.8 4x Optical Zoom Lens and 2.8-Inch LCD | $339.00 |
Fujifilm FinePix F770EXR 16 MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Zoom (Red) | $151.77 |
Fujifilm X100S 16 MP Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD (Silver) | Too low to display |
Fujifilm X20 (Silver) + Metal Adapter Tube and Lens Hood + Filters + LowePro Bag + 16GB Deluxe Kit | $599.00 |
Fujifilm FinePix HS20 16 MP Digital Camera with EXR BSI CMOS High Speed Sensor and Fujinon 30x Wide Angle Optical Zoom Lens | $376.41 |
Fujifilm F800EXR 16MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch TFT LCD, Black | $196.99 |
FujiFilm LHF-X20 Lens Hood 3pc Replacement Kit (Black) + Wide Angle & Telephoto Lens Set + Battery + Charger + Giottos Blower + Nikon Lens Cleaning System + Cleaning Kit | $99.00 |
Fujifilm X20 12 Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD (Silver) Bundle with 32GB SD Memory Card + Vivitar Replacement Battery for Fuji NP-50 + Deluxe SLR Soft Camera Case + Accessories | $619.00 |
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