Resolution Chart Comparison
Comparison cameras:
- Fujifilm FinePix F31fd (6 MP, 3x zoom)
- Fujifilm FinePix F30 (6 MP, 3x zoom)
- Canon PowerShot A640 (10 MP, 4x zoom)
- Panasonic DMC-FX01 (6MP, 3.6x zoom)
Shots here are of the PIMA/ISO 12233 standard resolution test chart (more of which are available in our comparison database). This resolution 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. Thus a value of 15 equates to 1500 lines per picture height.
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.
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| Fujifilm FinePix F31fd (3,231 KB; 6 MP) | Canon PowerShot A640 (3,425 KB; 10 MP) |
|---|---|
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| Panasonic DMC-FX01 (2,697 KB; 6 MP) | Fujifilm FinePix F30 (3,231 KB; 6 MP) |
Resolution Chart crops
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| Fujifilm FinePix F31fd | Canon PowerShot A640 |
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| Panasonic DMC-FX01 | Fujifilm FinePix F30 Zoom |
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| Fujifilm FinePix F31fd | Canon PowerShot A640 |
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| Panasonic DMC-FX01 | Fujifilm FinePix F30 Zoom |
Measurable findings
| Camera | Measurement | Absolute resolution |
Extinction resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm FinePix F31fd | Horiz LPH | 1700 | 2200 |
| Vert LPH | 1750 | 2150 | |
| 5° Diagonal LPH | + 1000 | n/a | |
| Canon PowerShot A640 | Horiz LPH | 1775 | 2250 |
| Vert LPH | 1850 | * 2400 | |
| 5° Diagonal LPH | +1000 | n/a | |
| Panasonic DMC-FX01 | Horiz LPH | 1400 | 1650 |
| Vert LPH | 1400 | *1800 | |
| 5° Diagonal LPH | + 1000 | n/a | |
| Fujifilm FinePix F30 | Horiz LPH | 1700 | 2200 |
| Vert LPH | 1750 | 2150 | |
| 5° Diagonal LPH | + 1000 | n/a |
| * | 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) |
| 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) |
The F31fd would appear to have exactly the same resolution as the F30 (and the F10 before it). Resolution drops slightly (though not seriously) at maximum aperture, peaks at about 2 stops in, then starts to fall off again. There is a tiny amount of moiré visible at very high frequencies, but the overall impression is of a very clean result, with a very clean fall-off as you reach extinction. They're a touch over-sharpened, but not so much that you need to worry.
Super CCD cameras have always done well in spatial resolution tests, and the F31fd once again sets the standard for cameras in this class, outperforming many higher pixel count competitors. Of course how much of this extra resolution you'll see shooting in the real world, which isn't made up of black and white lines, is questionable, but it's still to Fuji's credit that the lens / sensor combination used on the F31fd is capable of resolving such fine detail.
