Panasonic FZ300 has a
12.0MP 1/2.3 (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Venus Engine processor. On the other hand, Canon A3500 IS has a
16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features DIGIC 4 processor.
Below you can see the FZ300 and A3500 IS sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic FZ300 and Canon A3500 IS Cameras
Panasonic FZ300 and Canon A3500 IS 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 FZ300 has 32% larger pixel area compared to Canon A3500 IS, 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 FZ300
or the
Canon A3500 IS ,
including hyperfocal distance.
One thing to watch when comparing these two: they have different sensor sizes
(1/2.3 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.