Overview
These are camera resolution test chart resources for film professionals, rental houses, and media companies who are repeatedly checking and calibrating lenses & cameras as part of production preparations for professional film shoots.
What is a Camera Resolution Test Chart
A camera resolution test chart is a specialized tool used by film professionals, rental houses, and media companies to evaluate and calibrate camera and lens performance. These charts help ensure that cameras are capturing images with the intended sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy—critical factors in professional film production.
There are various types of camera and lens resolution test charts, each serving a specific function in calibration and testing.
Some of the most commonly used charts include:
- Focus Testing Charts – Ensure precise focus and depth of field calibration.
- Anamorphic Charts – Designed for lenses with non-spherical optical elements.
- Siemens Star Charts – Assess image sharpness and resolution across the frame.
- Color Testing Charts – Evaluate color accuracy and consistency.
See below for an extensive list of the many different types of Camera & Lens Resolution Test Charts, each for their own specific function of calibration.
Common Camera Test Charts and Their Purpose
| CHART TYPE | PURPOSE | USE CASE |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution Test Charts | Measure the resolving power of a camera and lens by evaluating sharpness, contrast, and aliasing. | Lens testing, camera sensor evaluation, optical performance assessment. |
| Siemens Star Chart | Detects resolution limits, sharpness falloff, and focus accuracy by analyzing radial patterns. | Checking image sharpness across the frame, focusing accuracy, and assessing aliasing. |
| Color Checker Charts | Ensure accurate color reproduction and white balance by providing a reference for color correction. | Color grading, camera sensor calibration, post-production workflows. |
| Gray Scale & Step Wedge Charts | Measure dynamic range, contrast response, and exposure accuracy using graduated tones. | Exposure calibration, shadow and highlight retention testing. |
| Anamorphic Test Charts | Designed for lenses with non-spherical optical elements, testing distortion, alignment, and resolution. | Anamorphic lens calibration, checking horizontal/vertical scaling and lens squeeze factor. |
| Focus Test Charts | Help verify focus accuracy, depth of field, and potential focus shifts. | Fine-tuning focus for cinematography, ensuring consistency between camera setups. |
| Back Focus Charts | Assess flange focal distance to ensure accurate focusing across zoom ranges and lens swaps. | Calibrating lenses to maintain accurate focus at all focal lengths. |
| Distortion Grid Charts | Evaluate geometric distortion and perspective accuracy by using precisely spaced grids. | Architectural, scientific, and VFX cinematography requiring undistorted images. |
| Dead Pixel Test Charts | Identify dead or stuck pixels on camera sensors using solid color fields or high-contrast patterns. | Camera sensor quality control, pre-shoot camera checks. |
| HDR Test Charts | Analyze high dynamic range performance, exposure latitude, and highlight retention. | Ensuring cameras accurately capture high-contrast scenes. |
| Frame Leader Charts | Verify safe frame lines, aspect ratios, and composition alignment. | Pre-production framing checks, ensuring proper aspect ratio compliance. |
Optimizing Your Camera Testing Works Flow With MYT Works
With the MYT Works Opti-Glide Camera Checkout & Lens Calibration System, you’re not limited to a single type of chart. The system is designed to accommodate any test chart specifications—at no extra cost—so you can work with the best chart for your needs.
We do this because we believe in providing uncompromising precision and flexibility, even if it means investing more time and materials on our end.
We do this because we want you to work with the best chart for your needs – even if it means we spend more on time and materials!
For teams that use multiple chart sizes or types, MYT Works also offers Custom Chart Assemblies tailored to your specific measurements and testing requirements.
Additionally, MYT Works offers Custom Chart Assemblies for teams that use multiple sizes or types of Test Charts. These solutions are custom to their measurements and intended specialty or use-case.