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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| Sony DSLR-A900 (5.3 MB, 24.6 MP) | Nikon D700 (3.2 KB; 12 MP) |
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| Canon EOS 5D (3,552 KB; 12.8 MP) | Canon EOS-1DS Mark III (4.3 MB, 21 MP) |
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Sony DSLR-A900 |
Nikon D700 |
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| Canon EOS 5D | Canon EOS-1DS Mark III |
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| Sony DSLR-A900 | Nikon D700 |
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| Canon EOS 5D | Canon EOS-1DS Mark III |
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| Sony DSLR-A900 | Nikon D700 |
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| Canon EOS 5D | Canon EOS-1DS Mark III |
Measurable results
| Camera | Measurement | Absolute resolution |
Extinction resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony DSLR-A900 | Horizontal LPH | 2700 | 3700 |
| Vertical LPH | 2700 | 3700 | |
| Nikon D700 | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | 2600 |
| Vertical LPH | 2200 | 2650 | |
| Canon EOS 5D | Horizontal LPH | 2300 | 2500 |
| Vertical LPH | 2000 | 2500 | |
| Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III |
Horizontal LPH | 2700 | 3300 |
| Vertical LPH | 2700 | 3300 |
| * | 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) |
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given it's headline-grabbing 24.6MP pixel count, the Alpha 900 sets a new standard for resolution, edging past the EOS-1Ds Mark III by a whisker, and leaving its 12-ish megapixel competitors in a cloud of dust. Next to the Canon models the output looks soft, but in terms of sheer detail capture it's now the one to beat in the full-frame DSLR market.
