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-A700 (2.6 MB, 12 MP) | Canon EOS 40D (2.6 MB, 10 MP) |
---|---|
![]() |
![]() |
Nikon D300 (3.3 KB; 12 MP) | Olympus E-3 (3.3 MB; 10 MP) |
![]() |
![]() |
Sony DSLR-A700 | Canon EOS 40D |
---|---|
![]() |
![]() |
Nikon D300 | Olympus E-3 |
![]() |
![]() |
Sony DSLR-A700 | Canon EOS 40D |
---|---|
![]() |
![]() |
Nikon D300 | Olympus E-3 |
![]() |
![]() |
Sony DSLR-A700 | Canon EOS 40D |
---|---|
![]() |
![]() |
Nikon D300 | Olympus E-3 |
Measurable results
Camera | Measurement | Absolute resolution |
Extinction resolution |
---|---|---|---|
Sony DSLR-A700 | Horizontal LPH | * 2200 | 2900 |
Vertical LPH | 2100 | 2800 | |
Canon EOS 40D | Horizontal LPH | 2100 | 2300 |
Vertical LPH | 1800 | 2300 | |
Nikon D300 | Horizontal LPH | 2200 | 2600 |
Vertical LPH | 2100 | 2600 | |
Olympus E-3 | Horizontal LPH | * 2100 | 2400 |
Vertical LPH | * 1800 | 2200 |
* | 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) |
Interesting results that essentially echo the fact that there's only a very slight difference in resolution from going from ten to twelve megapixels, bigger differences are realized by the imaging pipeline / strength of the anti-alias filter. The A700 delivered the best extinction resolution (continued detail beyond absolute resolution, the D300 the cleanest least processed looking image. Both the DSLR-A700 and E-3 suffered from some moire near the limits of resolution.
Comments