The lens resolution of point and shoot cameras varies considerably, between manufacturers, between models, and even between similar units. Sharpness also varies as the lens focal length is zoomed from wide angle to telephoto. This chart will easily allow you to observe and quantify the differences. This will help you better understand the camera you own. It is also a useful tool for choosing your new camera, as the check can be performed in store.

Print this image on an 8 1/2 x 11 inch page using finest quality black & white printing (set the printer to scale the image to fit one page). Place the printed page on the floor. Center the camera above the page. Set the camera to the desired zoom setting and choose a distance so that the page fills the screen. Take a flash photo at the finest image quality setting. By using the camera LCD to magnify the image about 10 times, you will clearly see how the resolution varies from center to corner, and the numbered patterns helps one to clearly identify the amount of change.

WARNING: Excessive use of this chart may lead to excessive spending on new camera equipment

Select ORIGINAL (file size=7.8MB), just below this line, for downloading. The large and small sizes cannot be used for camera testing!!