Testing procedure

• Create a test chart using Quick MTF (menu Tools) or download a printable version of the ISO 12233 chart, then print it out using a high quality printer.
• Buy a test chart.

The subject is a very simple test chart created with Quick MTF with the angle of 0 degrees and rotated 5 degrees to the right. Unfortunately, there are no slanted edges in the corners, suitable for testing purposes.

The subject is made of four simple test charts.

The ISO 12233 chart contains a lot of areas suitable for testing purposes.

The USAF 1951 chart may be tilted and used as a subject.

You may think of many ways to create a test chart of any size and content. Some devices, such as a microscope or night-vision equipment, may require tiny or unusual test charts. The general rule is that the image made using a test chart must contain slanted edges in the regions to be analyzed. The edges must be of high enough contrast and sharpness, because the results must only depend on the parameters of the device being tested.

• Try to provide glare-free, even illumination, with no light sources behind the camera.
• Use only high quality daylight lamps and make sure that light falls at the angle of about 45 degrees.

• Properly set and align the camera.
• Use a tripod and avoid stir using timer, cable release or remote control.
• Use center-point autofocus and try manual focusing to do several re-focused shots. Select the best shot for analysis. Please keep in mind that the results must not depend on the precision of autofocus of the device being tested.
• Avoid overexposure and underexposure.
• Minimize postprocessing — especially sharpening — with the camera’s built-in software or RAW converter. Save shots in the RAW format, if possible.