Probably baked but I can't find one anywhere. I'm looking for a standardized image that I can photograph at specific distances and light values to compare the performance of different cameras. Since I collect antique cameras, this issue comes up often. I use my own unique chart for this purpose, but I'm looking for something more universal. (I use a section- not the whole thing- of a $1 note to check closeups, and a series of "liberated" street signs and advertising posters for distant images, each mounted on 8'x10' sheets of plywood.) For fixed-focus lenses or for checking the "infinity" settings, I photograph the horizon from my front porch.
-- whlanteigne, Jun 01 2003

Resolution Targets http://www.tasi.ac....ing/targets.html#t2
See ISO chart [Shz, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 21 2004]

Scanner Target http://desktoppub.a...eekly/aa071402a.htm
Corel used to include this years ago. [Cedar Park, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 21 2004]

Davebox http://www.imaging-...IPS/TESTS/TESTS.HTM
Scroll down. WAAAAAAYYYYY down! [Cedar Park, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 21 2004]

I appreciate the response about targets. I think what I'm getting at is developing a standardized test for checking photographic equipment; when a manufacturer advertises his product, he chooses the kinds of images that the equipment he's selling perform well with. A standardized test using identical targets, exposure settings, and lighting values would possibly provide the consumer with a more informative technical comparison.
-- whlanteigne, Jun 06 2003


I use a colour scanning target I got with CorelDraw 7.0 some years ago. It has a wide variety of colour ranges, along with a women's face. Unfortunately, it's only 5"x7", so you really can't use it unless you get in close or zoom in. [link]

Dave Etchells from Imaging Resource has set his own 'Davebox' test target, with a number of different targets including colour charts, a resolution chart, metallic objects, fabrics and plastics. It folds out and is set up with a professional lighting system, and he uses it to compare different cameras. You could make something like this. [link]
-- Cedar Park, Jun 06 2003


Yeah, I can't freaking believe that something like this doesn't exist. Though, I wouldn't doubt that camera manufacturers themselves have proprietary internal test images like this. It would only make sense, as they need to know their own camera's performance, don't they?

However, you're absolutely right, there should be a standardized one that can be used to inform consumers. It should of course not be intended to replace those chosen images in advertising, because certainly a manufacturer has the right to display images that show off the camera's strengths, but simply be an additional source of information for the consumer to consider.
-- Size_Mick, Dec 06 2003



random, halfbakery