Resolution Chart Comparison
Shots here are of the PIMA/ISO 12233 standard resolution test chart (more of which are available in our comparison database). This resolution chart allows us to measure the actual performance of the lens and sensor system. It measures the ability of the camera to resolve lines at gradually higher resolutions and enables us to provide a definitive value for comparison purposes. Values on the chart are 1/100th lines per picture height. So a value of 8 equates to 800 lines per picture height.
Studio light, cameras set to auto, all settings factory default. Aperture selected for optimum sharpness. Exposure compensation +0.7 EV or +1.0 EV.
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Canon EOS-D60 | Nikon D1x |
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Canon EOS-1D | Canon EOS-D30 |
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Canon EOS-D60 | Nikon D1x |
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Canon EOS-1D | Canon EOS-D30 |
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Canon EOS-D60 | Nikon D1x |
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Canon EOS-1D | Canon EOS-D30 |
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Canon EOS-D60 | Nikon D1x |
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Canon EOS-1D | Canon EOS-D30 |
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Canon EOS-D60 | Nikon D1x |
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Canon EOS-1D | Canon EOS-D30 |
Measurable findings (three measurements taken for each camera):
Camera | Measurement | Absolute Res. | Extinction Res. |
Canon EOS-D60 | Horiz LPH | 1600 | * 1800 |
Vert LPH | 1400 | 1800 | |
5° Diagonal LPH | 1000 | n/a | |
Nikon D1x | Horiz LPH | 1600 | >2000 |
Vert LPH | * 1150 | 1250 | |
5° Diagonal LPH | 900 | n/a | |
Canon EOS-1D | Horiz LPH | 1400 | * 1700 |
Vert LPH | 1200 | * 1700 | |
5° Diagonal LPH | n/a | n/a | |
Canon EOS-D30 |
Horiz LPH | 1100 | 1350 |
Vert LPH | 1150 | 1300 | |
5° Diagonal LPH | 1000 | n/a |
* Visible moiré artifacts
Definition of terms:
LPH | Lines per Picture Height (to allow for different aspect ratios the measurement is the same for horizontal and vertical) |
5° Diagonal | Lines set at 5° diagonal |
Absolute Resolution | Still defined detail (below Nyquist frequency*) |
Extinction Resolution | Detail beyond camera's definition (becomes a solid gray alias) |
n/a | Not Available (above the capability of the test chart) |
n/v | Not Visible (not visible on test results) |
* Nyquist frequency defined as the highest spatial frequency where the CCD can still faithfully record
image detail. Beyond the Nyquist frequency aliasing occurs
As we derived from our comparison tests the D60 makes full use of its six megapixel potential, delivering excellent horizontal and vertical resolution. The D1x is capable of the same horizontal resolution and produces visible detail well beyond 2000 lines/picture height, however its lower vertical resolution lets it down.
Resolution at other image sizes
The crops (and downloadable samples) below are provided to give an impression of visible resolution at the other selectable image sizes.
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Large (3072 x 2048) | Medium (2048 x 1360) | Small (1536 x 1024) |
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