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.

Leica M8 (2,810 KB; 10.3 MP)	Canon EOS 5D (3,552 KB; 12.8 MP)
Nikon D200 (2,728 KB; 10.0 MP)	Panasonic DMC-L1 (2,958 KB; 7.4 MP)

Leica M8	Canon EOS 5D
Nikon D200	Panasonic DMC-L1

Leica M8	Canon EOS 5D
Nikon D200	Panasonic DMC-L1

Leica M8	Canon EOS 5D
Nikon D200	Panasonic DMC-L1

Measurable findings (three measurements taken for each camera):

As you can see from the figures above the M8's built-in software anti-alias (moire-reduction) algorithm begins blurring the image fairly early and limits horizontal resolution to around 1900 LPH (compared to between 2400 and 2600 LPH from RAW). This puts the M8's JPEG resolution in the same ball park as the best eight megapixel digital SLRs (which is a pity considering the amazing resolution, thanks to not having an anti-alias filter, available from RAW).