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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Canon EOS 50D (4.1 MB, 15.1 MP) | Nikon D300 (3.3 KB; 12 MP) |
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Pentax K20D (8.5 MB; 14.5 MP) | Sony DSLR-A700 (2.6 MB, 12.2 MP) |
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Canon EOS 40D (2.6 MB, 10 MP) |
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Canon EOS 50D | Nikon D300 |
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Pentax K20D | Sony DSLR-A700 |
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Canon EOS 40D |
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Canon EOS 50D | Nikon D300 |
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Pentax K20D | Sony DSLR-A700 |
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Canon EOS 40D |
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Canon EOS 50D | Nikon D300 |
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Pentax K20D | Sony DSLR-A700 |
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Canon EOS 40D |
Measurable results
Camera | Measurement | Absolute resolution |
Extinction resolution |
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Canon EOS 50D | Horizontal LPH | 2250 | 2700 |
Vertical LPH | 2200 | 2700 | |
Nikon D300 | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | 2600 |
Vertical LPH | 2100 | 2600 | |
Pentax K20D | Horizontal LPH | 2250 | * 2300 |
Vertical LPH | 2250 | * 2500 | |
Sony DSLR-A700 | Horizontal LPH | * 2200 | 2900 |
Vertical LPH | 2100 | 2800 | |
Canon EOS 40D | Horizontal LPH | 2100 | 2300 |
Vertical LPH | 1800 | 2300 |
* | Moire is visible |
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+ | 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) |
As one would expect the EOS 50D delivers an increase of resolution over the 40D. Having said that compared to the 12 megapixel D300 and A700 the difference is surprisingly small.
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