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Detailed Comparison with D3x
This page discusses the resolving power of the 12MP Nikon D3s to the 24MP D3x. With twice the pixel count, the D3x offers 1.4X the linear resolution, or does it?
Many factors contribute to actual detail as recorded in an image—
- Optical performance must be top-notch to realize the benefits of more pixels, so I used the Zeiss ZF 100mm f/2 Makro-Planar, my reference lens for this sort of comparison. It offers a flat field with consistent sharpness across the frame, corner to corner. Few lenses match it, and I know of none that better it.
- Focus must be exact. I shot more than one series. Very little variation was seen, but I chose the series that at f/2 showed the best results; the results are at f/5.6.
- The camera anti-aliasing (blur) filter reduces resolvable detail to reduce moiré. Sharpening can restore some of it, but not all of it.
- Exposure and contrast must be well matched.
- Resolution is actually of little meaning without specifying contrast (MTF). Since lenses drop in contrast at higher frequencies (resolutions), the actual and perceived detail can be lens limited. Though sharpening during and after RAW-file processing can enhance contrast to show latent detail, it’s not a panacea.
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Diglloyd DAP is DSLR-oriented, but also contains workflow and other topics. Much of the focus is on Canon and Nikon but also Pentax and Pentax medium format.
Special emphasis is placed on lens evaluation, focusing on Canon and Nikon and Sigma lenses, but with a few others like Rokinon/Samyang.
- Make better images by learning how to get the best results right away.
- Save money by choosing the right lens for your needs the first time, particularly some of the new Sigma Art lenses vs Nikon and Canon.
- Workflow discusses image organization, raw conversion and post processing. Many examples show processing parameters for direct insight into how the image was converted.
- Jaw-dropping image quality found nowhere else utilizing Retina-grade images up to full camera resolution, plus large crops [past 2 years or so].
- Real world examples with insights found nowhere else. Make sharper images just by understanding lens behavior you won’t read about elsewhere.
- Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
- Optical quality analysis of field curvature, focus shift, sharpness, flare, distortion, and performance in the field.
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