Resolution Chart Comparison

Comparison cameras:

• Canon PowerShot G10 (14.7MP, 5x zoom)
• Panasonic DMC-LX3 (10MP, 2.5x zoom)
• Nikon Coolpix P6000 (13.4MP, 4x zoom)
• Canon PowerShot G9 (12MP, 6x zoom)

Shots here are of our standard resolution chart (version one or two). This chart allows us to measure the actual performance of the lens and sensor system. It measures the ability of the camera to resolve lines at gradually higher resolutions and enables us to provide a definitive value for comparison purposes. Values on the chart are 1/100th lines per picture height. So a value of 15 equates to 1500 lines per picture height. (Note that on version two of our chart the vertical resolution 1000 - 2000 lines have been horizontally flipped but are otherwise identical). The chart is shot at a full range of apertures and the sharpest image selected.

Studio light, cameras set to auto, settings all factory default. If possible aperture was selected for optimum sharpness. Exposure compensation +0.3 EV to +1.3 EV.

Canon PowerShot G10 (4,602 KB; 14.7 MP)	Panasonic DMC-LX3 (4,821 KB; 10 MP)
Nikon Coolpix P6000 (3,382 KB; 13.4 MP)	Canon Powershot G9 (4,119 KB; 12 MP)

Resolution chart crops

Canon PowerShot G10	Panasonic DMC-LX3
Nikon Coolpix P6000	Canon PowerShot G9
Canon PowerShot G10	Panasonic DMC-LX3
Nikon Coolpix P6000	Canon PowerShot G9

Measurable findings

At base ISO (80) the G10 is the highest resolving compact we have ever tested. It is noticeably better than even the P6000 which has a sensor close to the resolution of the G10. The aliasing patterns and sharpening halos are not as noticeable as the LX3, suggesting that lens and sensor are a good match. There is a bit of CA and softness towards the edges of the frame, but they are not bad considering this is a compact.