Olympus 9000 has a
12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Panasonic S3 has a
14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Venus Engine IV processor.
Below you can see the 9000 and S3 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Olympus 9000 and Panasonic S3 Cameras
Olympus 9000 and Panasonic S3 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 Olympus 9000 has 18% larger pixel area compared to Panasonic S3, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence 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
Olympus 9000
or the
Panasonic S3 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
