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.

Sony DSLR-A700 (2.6 MB, 12 MP)	Canon EOS 40D (2.6 MB, 10 MP)
Nikon D300 (3.3 KB; 12 MP)	Olympus E-3 (3.3 MB; 10 MP)

Sony DSLR-A700	Canon EOS 40D
Nikon D300	Olympus E-3

Sony DSLR-A700	Canon EOS 40D
Nikon D300	Olympus E-3

Sony DSLR-A700	Canon EOS 40D
Nikon D300	Olympus E-3

Measurable results

Interesting results that essentially echo the fact that there's only a very slight difference in resolution from going from ten to twelve megapixels, bigger differences are realized by the imaging pipeline / strength of the anti-alias filter. The A700 delivered the best extinction resolution (continued detail beyond absolute resolution, the D300 the cleanest least processed looking image. Both the DSLR-A700 and E-3 suffered from some moire near the limits of resolution.