Nikon L19 has a
8.0MP 1/2.5-inch (5.744 x 4.308 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Canon A3100 IS has a
12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor .
Below you can see the L19 and A3100 IS sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon L19 and Canon A3100 IS Cameras
As seen above, Canon A3100 IS has a 1.1x Larger sensor area than Nikon L19. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.
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
Nikon L19
or the
Canon A3100 IS ,
including hyperfocal distance.
One thing to watch when comparing these two: they have different sensor sizes
(1/2.5-inch 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.
