Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9
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Written by Gordon Laing
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 wide-angle geometric distortion
Sony H9 results : Outdoor / Resolution / Noise / Noise 2 / Corner sharpness / Fringe & macro / Distortion / Vignetting
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 results continued…
Outdoor / Resolution / Noise / Noise 2 / Corner sharpness / Fringe & macro / Distortion / Vignetting
To measure and compare the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9’s geometric distortion we photographed a test chart consisting of a grid pattern, using it and a number of rival super-zoom models. Here are the results for each camera with their built-in lenses at their widest focal length; where possible, the aperture was closed. The images were analysed with Imatest using 5th Order line calculation and the full areas presented here at a reduced resolution. | ||
5.2-78mm at 5.2mm | ||
| The image above was taken with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 zoomed-out to 5.2mm. Barrel distortion was measured at 3.78% which while close to the Olympus SP-550UZ, is measurably the worst of all the cameras tested here. If you’re into shooting buildings or subjects with straight lines at wide angle, you should prepare for some noticeable geometric distortion. |
Panasonic Lumix FZ50 |
Panasonic Lumix FZ8 |
Olympus SP-550UZ | ||
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7.4-88.8mm at 7.4mm Distortion: 2.56% barrel |
6-72mm at 6mm Distortion: 2.52% barrel |
4.7-84.2mm at 4.7mm Distortion: 3.33% barrel |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 telephoto geometric distortion
 | To measure and compare the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9’s geometric distortion we photographed a test chart consisting of a grid pattern, using it and a number of rival super-zoom models. Here are the results for each camera with their built-in lenses at their longest focal length; where possible, the aperture was closed. The images were analysed with Imatest using 5th Order line calculation and the full areas presented here at a reduced resolution. | |
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5.2-78mm at 78 mm Distortion: 1.49% pincushion | ||
The image above was taken with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 zoomed-into 78mm. Pincushion distortion was measured at 1.49% which again is close to the Olympus SP-550UZ, but much worse than either of the Panasonic models. Geometric distortion is clearly one of the compromises with the Sony H9’s lens, although to be fair it and the Olympus have the longest optical ranges here. |
Panasonic Lumix FZ50 |
Panasonic Lumix FZ8 |
Olympus SP-550UZ | ||
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7.4-88.8mm at 88.8mm Distortion: 0.34% barrel |
6-72mm at 72mm Distortion: 0.02% barrel |
4.7-84.2mm at 84.2mm Distortion: 1.45% pincushion |
