Resolution Chart Comparison
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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| Nikon D300 (3.3 KB; 12 MP) | Canon EOS 40D (2.6 MB, 10 MP) |
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| Sony DSLR-A700 (2.6 MB, 12 MP) | Olympus E-3 (3.3 MB; 10 MP) |
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| Nikon D300 | Canon EOS 40D |
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| Sony DSLR-A700 | Olympus E-3 |
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| Nikon D300 | Canon EOS 40D |
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| Sony DSLR-A700 | Olympus E-3 |
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| Nikon D300 | Canon EOS 40D |
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| Sony DSLR-A700 | Olympus E-3 |
Measurable results
| Camera | Measurement | Absolute resolution |
Extinction resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon D300 | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | 2600 |
| Vertical LPH | 2100 | 2600 | |
| Canon EOS 40D | Horizontal LPH | 2100 | 2300 |
| Vertical LPH | 1800 | 2300 | |
| Sony DSLR-A700 | Horizontal LPH | * 2200 | 2900 |
| Vertical LPH | 2100 | 2800 | |
| Olympus E-3 | Horizontal LPH | * 2100 | 2400 |
| Vertical LPH | * 1800 | 2200 |
| * | 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) |
As you can see from the figures (and crops) above there really is very little difference between ten and twelve megapixels, however the sensor design (anti-alias filter strength), imaging pipeline (demosaicing, sharpening) have a much more significant effect that megapixels alone. The D300's image is the cleanest here with no noticeable moire and almost invisible sharpening artifacts. The DSLR-A700 delivers as much absolute resolution and manages to delve a bit deeper beyond nyquist (to extinction resolution) but seemingly at the expense of some visible moire.
