Kodak FZ55 has a
16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Nikon S230 has a
10.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor .
Kodak FZ55's sensor provides 6MP more than Nikon S230'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 FZ55 and S230 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Kodak FZ55 and Nikon S230 Cameras
Kodak FZ55 and Nikon S230 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 Nikon S230 has 59% larger pixel area (2.81µm 2 vs 1.76µm 2 ) compared to Kodak FZ55, 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
Kodak FZ55
or the
Nikon S230 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
