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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| Panasonic GF1 (4.3 MB, 12.3 MP) | Olympus E-P1 (5.4 MB, 12.3 MP) |
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| Olympus E-620 (6.4 MB, 12.3 MP) | Canon EOS 500D (4.4MB, 15.1 MP) |
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| Nikon D5000 (3.5 MB; 12.3 MP) | Panasonic LX3 (3.4 MB, 10 MP) |
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| Panasonic GF1 | Olympus E-P1 |
|---|---|
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| Olympus E-620 | Canon EOS 500D |
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| Nikon D5000 | Panasonic LX3 |
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| Panasonic GF1 | Olympus E-P1 |
|---|---|
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| Olympus E-620 | Canon EOS 500D |
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| Nikon D5000 | Panasonic LX3 |
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| Panasonic GF1 | Olympus E-P1 |
|---|---|
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| Olympus E-620 | Canon EOS 500D |
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| Nikon D5000 | Panasonic LX3 |
Measurable results
| Camera | Measurement | Absolute resolution |
Extinction resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic DMC-GF1 | Horizontal LPH | 2250 | 2600 |
| Vertical LPH | 2200 | 2550 | |
| Olympus E-P1 | Horizontal LPH | 2300 | 2750 |
| Vertical LPH | 2250 | 2650 | |
| Nikon D5000 | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | * 2650 |
| Vertical LPH | 2100 | *2600 | |
| Canon EOS 500D | Horizontal LPH | 2350 | * 3400 |
| Vertical LPH | 2300 | * 2650 | |
| Panasonic LX3 | Horiz LPH | 2150 | 2400 |
| Vert LPH | 2150 | 2500 | |
| Olympus E-620 | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | * 2550 |
| Vertical LPH | 2150 | * 2550 |
| * | 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 GF1 produces output that - unsurprisingly - is very similar to the G1 it is based on, and to the Olympus E-P1 (though the latter's better JPEG engine shows the same advantage here as it did in our studio still life tests). Overall the GF1 - even in JPEG mode - compares well to most entry level and mid range SLRs at a similar price point.
