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.
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| Nikon D200 |
Canon EOS 20D |
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| Canon EOS 5D |
Nikon D2X |
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| Nikon D200 |
Canon EOS 20D |
 |
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| Canon EOS 5D |
Nikon D2X |
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| Nikon D200 |
Canon EOS 20D |
 |
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| Canon EOS 5D |
Nikon D2X |
Measurable findings (three measurements taken for each camera):
| Camera |
Measurement |
Absolute
resolution |
Extinction
resolution |
| Nikon D200 |
Horizontal LPH |
2100 |
2250 |
| Vertical LPH |
1700 |
2200 |
| Canon EOS 20D |
Horizontal LPH |
1850 |
2100 |
| Vertical LPH |
1650 |
2100 |
| Canon EOS 5D |
Horizontal LPH |
2300 |
2500 |
| Vertical LPH |
2000 |
2500 |
| Nikon D2X |
Horizontal LPH |
2400 |
2800 |
| Vertical LPH |
2000 |
2500 |
| * |
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) |
| 5° Diagonal |
Lines set at 5° diagonal |
| 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) |
| n/a |
Not Available (above the capability of the test chart) |
| n/v |
Not Visible (not visible on test results) |
As we had expected the ten megapixel D200 sits somewhere between the eight megapixel EOS 20D and the twelve megapixel EOS 5D / D2X. A glance at the resolution charts also confirms what we've already concluded, that you gain little from ten to twelve megapixels and loose very little from ten to eight megapixels.
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