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Canon PowerShot A640 resolution comparison
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To measure and compare the Canon PowerShot A640's resolving power we photographed the Enhanced Digital Camera
Resolution Chart with it and a number of rival models, each using their
best quality JPEG and default image tone and sharpening settings. Each camera was tested at every aperture setting and the best result selected for this page.
The crops are taken from the original images, saved as High Quality JPEGs
in Photoshop CS2 and presented here at 100%. Each number represents 100
lines per picture height (lpph), so a figure of 20 means a resolution of
2000 lpph. |
In terms of numbers, the A640 enjoys the highest horizontal resolving power and only falls slightly below the Sony N2 for vertical resolution. You only have to look at the samples below though to see our Sony N2 suffered from optical issues just off-center, and yes, both N2 crops came from exactly the same image. If you compare the results from our compact group test of December 2005, the earlier Sony N1 lens (which we understand is identical to that in the N2) didn't exhibit the same issues, so we presume we got a poor copy of the N2.
That aside, the Canon A640 is clearly capable of
delivering very high resolution images at its lowest sensitivities, and indeed delivers similar results to those in our 10 Megapixel DSLR group test. It's crucial to note though the image quality of a compact like the A640 will deteriorate far quicker at higher ISOs than a DSLR. But while a 10 Megapixel compact is no substitute for a 10 Megapixel DSLR, the results here at least show they're capable of resolving similar levels of detail under the best conditions. |
Canon PowerShot A640
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Fujifilm FinePix F30
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2050 lpph, 7.3-29.2mm at 13mm, f4.5, 80 ISO |
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1850 lpph, 8-24mm at 16mm, f5.6, 100 ISO |
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Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ1
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Sony Cybershot DSC N2
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1600 lpph, 5.2-52mm at 12.2mm, f3.8, 80 ISO |
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2000 lpph, 7.9-23.7mm at 12mm, f5, 100 ISO |
Canon PowerShot A640
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Fujifilm FinePix F30
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2100 lpph, 7.3-29.2mm at 13mm, f4.5, 80 ISO |
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1850 lpph, 8-24mm at 16mm, f5.6, 100 ISO |
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Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ1
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Sony Cybershot DSC N2
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1550 lpph, 5.2-52mm at 12.2mm, f3.8, 80 ISO |
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2200 lpph, 7.9-23.7mm at 12mm, f5, 100 ISO |
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