How we did our tests

To ensure the most stable platform possible for shooting during our video tests, we used a Manfrotto 546B twin-leg video tripod with middle-spreader bracing struts and a half-ball levelling base. This was fitted with a Nitrotech N8 fluid head.

Traffic

Our traffic test was shot both as a still and as a static video sequence to compare the real-world resolution of each camera with moving subjects and fine, textured detail.

Rolling shutter

A second urban scene was chosen as a further outdoor test, and also to check for rolling shutter effects with panning movements. (These make vertical buildings appear to ‘slant’.)

Lab test: studio scene

This static scene was used to show differences in contrast and colour rendition with standard lighting and subject matter. All the cameras were set to the their default picture style.

Lab test: resolution chart

For our final video camera test, we used our regular stills camera resolution test chart to see how much detail each camera could actually capture.