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Nikon D40 resolution comparison using kit lenses
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To measure and compare the Nikon D40'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. The models were selected to illustrate the differences between 6, 8 and 10 Megapixel DSLRs using their kit lenses.
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. |
Fitted with the standard Nikkor DX 18-55mm II kit lens, the Nikon D40 delivers 1750 and 1650 lpph of horizontal and vertical resolution respectively. Some moiré is quite visible in the horizontal sample at the point of maximum resolving power, and the D40 clearly applies greater sharpening than the other models here using its default settings.
The D40's resolving power slightly improves upon several earlier 6 Megapixel DSLRs and actually matches the horizontal resolution of the 8 Megapixel Canon 350D / XT, although the Canon beats it in terms of vertical resolution. Unsurprisingly the 10 Megapixel Canon 400D / XTi and Nikon D80 both comfortably out-resolve the D40, although it's worth comparing the studio results here with actual outdoor real-life resolution tests on our first results page. The difference in real-life detail recorded may not be as great as you might think. |
Nikon D40 using DX 18-55mm II
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Canon EOS 350D / XT with EF-S 18-55mm
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1750 lpph, DX 18-55mm II at 35mm, f8, 200 ISO |
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1750 lpph, EF-S 18-55mm at 35mm, f8, 100 ISO |
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Canon EOS 400D / XTi with EF-S 18-55mm
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Nikon D80 with Nikkor DX 18-70mm
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2000 lpph, EF-S 18-55mm at 35mm, f8, 100 ISO |
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2200 lpph, DX 18-70mm at 35mm, f8, 100 ISO |
Nikon D40 using DX 18-55mm II
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Canon EOS 350D / XT with EF-S 18-55mm
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1650 lpph, DX 18-55mm II at 35mm, f8, 200 ISO |
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1800 lpph, EF-S 18-55mm at 35mm, f8, 100 ISO |
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Canon EOS 400D / XTi with EF-S 18-55mm
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Nikon D80 with Nikkor DX 18-70mm
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2100 lpph, EF-S 18-55mm at 35mm, f8, 100 ISO |
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2200 lpph, DX 18-70mm at 35mm, f8, 100 ISO |
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