Panasonic FZ200 has a
12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Venus Engine VII FHD processor. On the other hand, Sony HX400V has a
20.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Bionz X processor.
Sony HX400V's sensor provides 8MP more than Panasonic FZ200'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 FZ200 and HX400V sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic FZ200 and Sony HX400V Cameras
Panasonic FZ200 and Sony HX400V 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 FZ200 has 68% larger pixel area compared to Sony HX400V, 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
Panasonic FZ200
or the
Sony HX400V ,
including hyperfocal distance.
