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-A900 (5.3 MB, 24.6 MP)	Nikon D700 (3.2 KB; 12 MP)
Canon EOS 5D (3,552 KB; 12.8 MP)	Canon EOS-1DS Mark III (4.3 MB, 21 MP)

Sony DSLR-A900	Nikon D700
Canon EOS 5D	Canon EOS-1DS Mark III

Sony DSLR-A900	Nikon D700
Canon EOS 5D	Canon EOS-1DS Mark III

Sony DSLR-A900	Nikon D700
Canon EOS 5D	Canon EOS-1DS Mark III

Measurable results

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.