Question for the sensor experts

From a technical perspective, the 5D should have the sharpest image as it is my understanding that the Anti-Aliasing filter is not as strong on that camera. However, that does not necessarily mean it will have the best IQ (although I suspect it would have that also).

The AA filter is why images look fuzzy, but without it you would get moire patterns very easily. This is also why sometimes people prefer the older cameras (such as D30 and D60) as they had weaker AA filters.

What would be the reason to use different anti-aliasing filters on different bodies? R&D should have an answer on what works best with maybe variations for 1.6x 1.3x and full frame sensors.

No two Canons have the exact same sensor, so each one needs a custom AA filter. And which camera's sharpest depends on exactly what you mean by "sharpest". Are we measuring at the sensor, at a common print size, at a common degree of enlargement?

Jon wrote in post #2339795
No two Canons have the exact same sensor, so each one needs a custom AA filter. And which camera's sharpest depends on exactly what you mean by "sharpest". Are we measuring at the sensor, at a common print size, at a common degree of enlargement?

My original question reffered to image sharpness of a target image printed at a common size, such as 11 x 14. I understand that all the sensors are different but was replying about "weaker/stronger" differences. Does that help? And thanks!

For a common print size (assuming it's large enough, or the printing device is capable of out-resolving the image), the one with the most pixels wins. As long as the sensors out-resolve the printer it won't make much, if any, difference.

Makes sense. What if we go one step farther, say a 20 x 30 photo lab poster print? Is it still maximum megapixels or are there quality differences between the sensors also?

Tim Sheridan wrote in post #2339907
Is it still maximum megapixels or are there quality differences between the sensors also?

Yes















That is - yes to both the questions.....

So........technically speaking, the XTi is capable of higher quality pictures than the 30D?

Quality is more than just straight resolution. The XTi, under optimal conditions, is able to outresolve the 30D. But it may be noisier due to smaller sensor sites, and various changes to internal processing of the image might affect the two images differently.

Jon wrote in post #2340083
Quality is more than just straight resolution. The XTi, under optimal conditions, is able to outresolve the 30D. But it may be noisier due to smaller sensor sites, and various changes to internal processing of the image might affect the two images differently.

Jon-

Thank you for helping to explain your answer. You seem to have a handle on what I was trying to find out. Could you explain what you mean by changes to the internal processing? I was assuming ( I Know...don't assume!) that because both the XTi & 30D use DIGIC ll and feature picture styles that they would process images the same. These bodies also share the same AF & metering system don't they?

Well, simply because they have different sized sensors, there will be some differences in how the signals are handled. Also, Canon has doubtless found things that (they think) can be done better even without making a major revision to the Digic control number. So at best, they're pretty much alike, but not exactly.