Resolving Fine Lines

For our resolution test, we reset the camera to its default settings and then used the highest resolution and quality setting. The camera was then set to Aperture-priority (f/11), Manual WB, Parameter 2, and sRGB. 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 on a thumbnail below to see the full chart at 100%.

350D
(+1.3 E.C.)
20D
(+1.3 E.C.)
JPEG/FineDownloadDownload
RAW (JPEG)DownloadDownload
RAW (original)Download
WARNING: 7MB
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WARNING: 8MB

Canon 350D VS Canon 20D (JPEG)

Roll your mouse over the 200% crops below to see the difference between the Canon 350D and the Canon 20D JPEG resolution charts.


Hold mouse over image.

In our horizontal crops above, we can see that the resolution for both the 350D and the 20D are essentially the same. Both cameras are able to resolve lines with outstanding detail until 1,700 LPH (lines per picture height). Just past 1,700 LPH, both images begin to show artifacts until the end of the test pattern.


Hold mouse over image.


Again, in the vertical crops above, the resolutions of the 350D and 20D are identical.

UPDATE: Adobe has just released an update to Camera Raw for Photoshop CS2. Below is a comparison of the 350D to the 20D using Camera Raw 3.1.

Canon 350D VS Canon 20D (RAW)

Roll your mouse over the 200% crops below to see the difference between the Canon 350D and the Canon 20D JPEG resolution charts.


Hold mouse over image.

In RAW mode, the 350D is able to produce a very slight gain in resolution compared to the JPEG chart. It is able to resolve lines out to 1,750 LPH. However, some artifacts begin to appear just past 1,700 LPH. The 20D shows fewer artifacts and resolves lines out to 1,800 LPH.

Roll your mouse over the 200% crops below to see the difference between the Canon 350D and the Canon 20D JPEG resolution charts.


Hold mouse over image.

In the vertical crop above, the 350D shows a more signifcant gain - nearly reaching 1,800 LPH before artifacts appear. The 20D proves to be just a bit better than the 350D by producing a cleaner chart and resolving lines out to 1,800 LPH with no artifacts. In terms of resolution, the difference between the 350D and 20D is fairly small. Both cameras are capable of capturing extremely fine detail. The 20D appears to gain more resolution than the 350D when switching from JPEG to RAW mode.

The Timing Tests Color Reproduction
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  • 6000SUX - Sunday, May 8, 2005 - link

    Thanks for a great review. Based on this one, I went to some other sites like dpreview.com, checked out lots of sample pictures etc. against competitors like the D70 and decided to take the plunge. All I can say is, this camera's fantastic. It's easy even for a relative newbie like me to get up to speed and take really great pictures.

    Now I have a great camera with which to take pictures of my first child. Thanks again.
  • stephencaston - Thursday, May 5, 2005 - link

    #23, Unfortunately, since the digicam section is still relatively new, we don't have a lot of places to get products right now (lenses). We have been able to do Canon SLR reviews simply because we already have lenses. Don't worry, we are planning on covering the new Nikon DSLRs as soon as we can get them.

    Stephen
  • sgtroyer - Thursday, May 5, 2005 - link

    I've got to add to the calls for a Nikon DSLR review. It's a pretty glaring omission given the reviews of the Canon 300D, 20D, and 350D, but no Nikon. The D70 is a fantastic camera, far better than the 300D for marginally more money. The D50 will provide even better value. Isn't reviewing only Canon DSLRs sort of like reviewing only Nvidia GPU's or Intel processors?
  • stephencaston - Thursday, May 5, 2005 - link

    Keep in mind that this isn't a "real world" battery test. We literally sat down with the camera and took 3,818 frames in one session.
  • Ender78 - Thursday, May 5, 2005 - link

    The battery life stated here seems to be a little off. I will have to test, but I dont believe my camera has anywhere close to the stated battery life.
  • gplracer - Wednesday, May 4, 2005 - link

    Nice review. I decided on the 20D over the 350 because of the size, feel, and the controls. The wheel in the back of the 20D is so much better than the controls on the 350. I am sure picture quality is close.
  • brownba - Wednesday, May 4, 2005 - link

    even my sd300 has this 'rattle.'
    i too assume it's for determining position.
    that's the coolest thing - when you're in clock mode, if you swiftly move the camera, it will change the color of the clock.
  • shuttleboi - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link

    From what I've read, the viewfinder on the XT is even smaller than the tiny one I have on my 300D. I also own a Canon film SLR, and the viewfinder in that is freaking huge compared to the one in my 300D. When you have a wide-aperture lens (larger than f2.8), then you will want a large viewfinder to see if you are focusing correctly, otherwise it is very easy to get the focus plane locked with the narrow depth of field.
  • shuttleboi - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link

    #13: if the XT is like my 300D, then that rattling sound is the part of the camera that determines if you are holding the camera vertically or horizontally. It is normal.
  • STaSh - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link

    No idea...I have a 20d.

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