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. On the other hand, Canon SX280 HS has a
12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Digic 6 processor.
Below you can see the S3 and SX280 HS sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic S3 and Canon SX280 HS Cameras
Panasonic S3 and Canon SX280 HS 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 S3
or the
Canon SX280 HS ,
including hyperfocal distance.