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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| Canon EOS 50D |
Nikon D300 |
 |
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| Pentax K20D |
Sony DSLR-A700 |
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| Canon EOS 40D |
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| Canon EOS 50D |
Nikon D300 |
 |
 |
| Pentax K20D |
Sony DSLR-A700 |
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| Canon EOS 40D |
|
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| Canon EOS 50D |
Nikon D300 |
 |
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| Pentax K20D |
Sony DSLR-A700 |
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| Canon EOS 40D |
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Measurable results
| Camera |
Measurement |
Absolute
resolution |
Extinction
resolution |
| Canon EOS 50D |
Horizontal LPH |
2250 |
2700 |
| Vertical LPH |
2200 |
2700 |
| Nikon D300 |
Horizontal LPH |
2200 |
2600 |
| Vertical LPH |
2100 |
2600 |
| Pentax K20D |
Horizontal LPH |
2250 |
* 2300 |
| Vertical LPH |
2250 |
* 2500 |
| Sony DSLR-A700 |
Horizontal LPH |
* 2200 |
2900 |
| Vertical LPH |
2100 |
2800 |
| Canon EOS 40D |
Horizontal LPH |
2100 |
2300 |
| Vertical LPH |
1800 |
2300 |
| * |
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 one would expect the EOS 50D delivers an increase of resolution over the 40D. Having said that compared to the 12 megapixel D300 and A700 the difference is surprisingly small.
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