The Resolution Question

[Rob Gardner]

Did you follow the link I posted? It was to a focus chart. It is to test the focus accuracy and sharpness of a body/lens. It is not a "2-D" wall poster ISO test chart. It is common courtesy to at least look at the links supplied by a post responder.

I was not responding to you or anyone elsewhen I made the test chart comment. In fact, I wrote that post sitting in a cigar bar with no internet access, not having read your post. Why you would take it to refer to you personally is beyond me. I apologize for offending your sensitivities.

You post "The resolution question" when I think actually you are struggling with an "AF accuracy question" There is no way that any XXD model camera, or 5D, or 5DII, is going to be as "real-world" shot after shot accurate as the 1D series. That is why the 1D series is so blame expensive. Your working harder because the AF in your 50D is wack! Have you tried another body? Have you sent it to Canon for repair under warranty? What do you have in a similar body to compare it to?

I haven't done anything other that what was stated. On a tripod, in controlled lighting, from a motionless inanimate object, I EXPECT TO GET AN ACCURATE SHOT. Otherwise I may as well give up the business. I tried to focus 20 different shots, both manually and with AF. The shot shown is the best manual focus shot I could take. I have 20/20 uncorrected vision. I spent an hour screwing with the AF Microadjustment. I got the shot right the first time with the 1D Mk II, and took five subsequent shots, with exactly the same result. I have never had this problem with any other camera. Here's what I've owned before (quantities): 10D (3), 20D (1), 40D (2), 5D (3), 1D (3), 1D Mk II (2), 1Ds (3), 1Ds Mk II (1). I still have an old 10D that gets a sharper picture straight out of the gate. As far as AF is concerned, I wasn't using it, so your point is irrelevant. That being said, even if it were, there should be SOME area on this image that is sharp, should it not? The object I chose has multiple surfaces (leaves) at multiple depths, so SOMETHING should be in crisp focus, but its not. The sharpest area is too soft, IMO. And I'm not the only one to make this observation about the 50D, so I know I'm not crazy. My old 10D at 6MP can take a crisper shot straight out of the box, without the need for AF Microadjustment or such shenanigans. Also, I expect a camera to produce a decent result at f/11. This is not an unreasonable expectation. I don't care if I get a better result at f/5.6 if I need to shoot at f/11 for depth control.

Whendid anyone, anytime, anywhere, insinuate that the 50D would be an upgrade from a 1DMkII? I think you are spoiled. It's funny, The guys at dpreview didn't seem to have a very hard time shooting lots of very useable/professional looking photos with the 50D. And for some really strange reason it doesn't appear that Bryan had any problem either. If I kept looking, I could very easily find dozens of pros using this camera making a living with this tool.

The guys at DPREVIEW also commented on its image softness, and justly criticized the 50D for it. Read the review before you call them to your defense. I never said you couldn't make a living with this body. In my experience, however, I have to work too hard to get the results I need. I found it surprising that a four-year-newer body with twice the MP and significantly better ISO performance can't deliver a crisp shot in controlled conditions, and that my four-year-old 8MP camera could produce a similar image when up-rezzed (sp?) to 15MP. I chose to compare them based upon time, technology, and price.

At this point I just scratch my head in wonder at what this post set out to accomplish.

If you had read my reasoning and conclusions, you would understand.

Oh an BTW, the MKIV is 16.1MP. Jeff Ascough Likes

I was referencing the MP of the Mk III - I never referenced the Mk IV in terms of MP. I stated "The 1D Mk III was criticized for being "only" 10mp when lower cameras in the Canon lineup were of equal or greater MP." You seem to be quick to correct, without taking the time to read.