Digital SLR: How We Test
Which? notification
Due to improvements in our testing procedures to account for new features and developments, please note that camcorders tested in 2008 are not directly comparable with those tested in 2007, which are in turn not directly comparable with those from 2006.
Image quality
When testing image quality we measure resolution using a test chart and the camera at different settings (eg at wide angle setting, at telephoto setting etc.) Colour reproduction, contrast, peak white and white balance are assessed using a range of camera settings on a combination of various practical pictures stretching the cameras’ abilities, and a test chart.We also measure light sensitivity, picture noise, vignetting and distortion. Focusing is measured while pointing the camera at a variety of objects, under different light conditions, and at various camera settings.
Viewfinder and LCD monitor accuracy
Using a test chart, the accuracy of these is measured by comparing what the viewfinder and monitor see with the image the camera takes at both wide angle and telephoto settings.
Flash
The intelligence of the flash is measured – how well it automatically adjusts its brightness according to the scene photographed. Flash quality is also assessed, taking a photograph at different distances from 'close-up' to 'far-away'. Flash strength, distribution and reflections are measured.
Ease of use
Many of the ease of use tests are done by a 5-person panel consisting of experienced photographers and beginners.
We assess the quality of the manual, resolution and usability of viewfinder and LCD monitor in different light conditions, memory card handling, ease of setting image quality, speed of camera (start-up time, time to ready for next picture, speed of burst mode) and manual focusing among other things. Shutter delay is measured precisely using a sophisticated timing method. Battery life is measured using a consistent programme of zooming, photographing, reviewing and deleting.