Canon SX530 HS has a
16.0MP 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 4+ processor. On the other hand, Canon SD980 IS has a
12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4 processor.
Below you can see the SX530 HS and SD980 IS sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Canon SX530 HS and Canon SD980 IS Cameras
Canon SX530 HS and Canon SD980 IS have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Canon SD980 IS has 32% larger pixel area (2.34µm 2 vs 1.76µm 2 ) compared to Canon SX530 HS, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Canon SX530 HS
or the
Canon SD980 IS ,
including hyperfocal distance.
One thing to watch when comparing these two: they have different sensor sizes
(1/2.3' versus 1/2.3-inch),
so compare them at the same framing rather than the same focal length.
Put the same focal length on the smaller sensor and it will show less depth of
field, not more, because it also crops tighter. The calculator shows the
full frame equivalent focal length for each body so you can match the framing.
