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 (depending on the camera).
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| Canon EOS 400D |
Nikon D80 |
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| Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
Canon EOS 350D (8 MP) |
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| Canon EOS 400D |
Nikon D80 |
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| Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
Canon EOS 350D (8 MP) |
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| Canon EOS 400D |
Nikon D80 |
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| Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
Canon EOS 350D (8 MP) |
Measurable findings (three measurements taken for each camera):
| Camera |
Measurement |
Absolute
resolution |
Extinction
resolution |
| Canon EOS 400D |
Horizontal LPH |
2200 |
2300 |
| Vertical LPH |
1800 |
2300 |
| Nikon D80 |
Horizontal LPH |
2200 |
2300 |
| Vertical LPH |
1800 |
2300 |
| Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
Horizontal LPH |
2200 |
2900 |
| Vertical LPH |
1800 |
2800 |
| Canon EOS 350D |
Horizontal LPH |
1850 |
2100 |
| Vertical LPH |
1650 |
2100 |
| * |
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 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) |
If you've read our D80 review then you'll not be that surprised to see these results, exactly the same 'absolute resolution' as the Nikon D80 and Sony DSLR-A100. The only significant difference being that Sony's image processing continues detail beyond the 2300 LPH extinction point produced by the other two ten megapixel cameras. More 'detail' (texture is probably a more accurate description) is available from RAW.
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