Canon SX730 HS has a
20.3MP (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 6 processor. On the other hand, Panasonic ZS50 has a
12.0MP (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor .
Canon SX730 HS's sensor provides 8.3MP more than Panasonic ZS50's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.
Below you can see the SX730 HS and ZS50 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Canon SX730 HS and Panasonic ZS50 Cameras
Canon SX730 HS and Panasonic ZS50 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 Panasonic ZS50 has 68% larger pixel area (2.34µm 2 vs 1.39µm 2 ) compared to Canon SX730 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 SX730 HS
or the
Panasonic ZS50 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
