Noise, resolution and sensitivity
These images show 72ppi (100% on a computer screen) sections of images of a resolution chart, captured using the Samsung 20-50mm i-Fn kit lens. We show the section of the resolution chart where the camera starts to fail to reproduce the lines separately. The higher the number visible in these images, the better the camera’s detail resolution at the specified sensitivity setting.
Without doubt, the camera excels in its ability to resolve detail, even using the budget 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. Viewing images at 100% on-screen not only shows just how crisp detail can be, but also just how big the 20.3-million-pixel images are, indicated as 18.2×12.2in with the image size set to 300ppi.
Our resolution chart shows centre sharpness up to the 30 marker at ISO 100, which means the NX1000 is right up there with the best in its class, and at its price point is exceeded only by the Nikon D3200, which has a 24.2-million-pixel resolution.
With such a high pixel count on its APS-C-sized sensor, and therefore moderate pixel pitch, it is interesting to see how the NX1000 is able to deal with noise when pushed to its limits in low-contrast light. Having recorded the same scene across the entire ISO 100-12,800 range, images have been analysed for noise across the tonal range. Images up to ISO 400 are largely free of noise, even in shadow areas, and detail is acceptable all the way up to ISO 1600, at which point luminance noise is present but uniform. Above this setting, luminance and chroma noise are not uniform but patchy, resulting in mushy detail and compromising the dynamic range.
Image: Even in the shadow areas here, noise is well controlled up to ISO 1600
