An In-Depth Look at 4 Ultra-compact Digicams

Resolving Fine Lines

For our resolution test, we reset the cameras to their default settings and then used the highest resolution and quality setting. The cameras were set to either manual or tungsten WB, and the lowest ISO setting. For more information, refer to our Testing Procedures page. When reading this chart, the numbers represent lines per picture height (LPH). For example, the number 16 would represent 1,600 LPH. Click the "Download" links below to see each chart at 100%.

Canon SD400 (+1.3 EV)	Nikon S1 (+1.3 EV)	Olympus IR-300 (+1.5 EV)	Sony T33 (+1.3 EV)
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Canon SD400
Nikon S1
Olympus IR-300
Sony T33

	Resolution (LPH)
Canon SD400	1,350
Nikon S1	1,200
Olympus IR-300	1,200
Sony T33	1,250

The Canon SD400 proves to have the highest resolution in our first set of crops, resolving lines out to 1,350 LPH before reaching resolution extinction. The runner-up was the Sony DSC-T33 with a resolution of 1,250 LPH. Both the Nikon S1 and Olympus IR-300 charts resolve lines out to 1,200 LPH.

Canon SD400

Nikon S1

Olympus IR-300

Sony T33

	Resolution (LPH)
Canon SD400	1,350
Nikon S1	1,300
Olympus IR-300	1,200
Sony T33	1,300

After analyzing the vertical test pattern above, all 4 cameras have the same or better resolution compared to the horizontal test pattern. Overall, the Canon SD400 has the highest resolution out of the bunch. The Canon SD400 and the Sony DSC-T33 produce the cleanest charts with minimal noise or other artifacts. The Nikon S1 and Olympus IR-300 both show more visible noise in their charts and the IR-300 even produces some rather noticeable JPEG artifacts.