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.

Ricoh GXR/A12 50mm (3.9 MB, 12.3 MP)	Leica X1 (4.3 MB; 12 MP)
Canon G11 (1.6 MB, 10MP)	Panasonic GF1 (4.3 MB, 12.3 MP)

Ricoh GXR/A12 50mm	Leica X1
Canon G11	Panasonic GF1

Ricoh GXR/A12 50mm	Leica X1
Canon G11	Panasonic GF1

Ricoh GXR/A12 50mm	Leica X1
Canon G11	Panasonic GF1

Measurable results

The GXR/A12 50mm performs well in this comparison and together with the Panasonic GF1 (here using the excellent Olympus 50mm F2.0 macro) squeezes the most detail out of our resolution chart. It is also producing a clean, almost moire- and artifact-free image. All in all though all the cameras in this test are pretty close in this area, even the small-sensor Canon G11 can (in good light at base ISO) almost keep up with the APS-C and Micro Four Thirds models.