Resolution Chart Comparison (JPEG)
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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Panasonic GH1 (4.3MB, 12.0 MP) | Canon EOS 500D (4.4MB, 15.1 MP) |
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Nikon D5000 (3.5 MB; 12.3 MP) | Olympus E-620 (6.4 MB, 12.3 MP) |
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Panasonic GH1 | Canon EOS 500D |
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Nikon D5000 | Olympus E-620 |
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Panasonic GH1 | Canon EOS 500D |
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Nikon D5000 | Olympus E-620 |
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Panasonic GH1 | Canon EOS 500D |
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Nikon D5000 | Olympus E-620 |
Measurable results
Camera | Measurement | Absolute resolution |
Extinction resolution |
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Panasonic GH1 | Horizontal LPH | 2300 | 2900 |
Vertical LPH | 2300 | 2900 | |
Canon EOS 500D | Horizontal LPH | 2350 | * 3400 |
Vertical LPH | 2300 | * 2650 | |
Nikon D5000 | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | * 2650 |
Vertical LPH | 2100 | * 2600 | |
Olympus E-620 | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | * 2550 |
Vertical LPH | 2150 | * 2550 |
* | 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) |
The GH1's performance in the resolution comparison is in the the same ballpark as entry level DSLRs such as the Canon EOS 500D or Nikon D5000. It produces a measurably higher resolution than the other Four Thirds camera in this test, the Olympus E-620. The Panasonic's output is also pleasantly clean and artifact-free.
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