Panasonic FS12 has a
12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Sony W830 has a
20.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Bionz processor.
Sony W830's sensor provides 8MP more than Panasonic FS12'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 FS12 and W830 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic FS12 and Sony W830 Cameras
Panasonic FS12 and Sony W830 have almost the same sensor size, so neither of them has any significant advantage over the other in terms of providing control over depth of field when used with the 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
Panasonic FS12
or the
Sony W830 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
