Panasonic SZ8 has a
16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Venus Engine processor. On the other hand, Nikon L21 has a
8.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Expeed C2 processor.
Panasonic SZ8's sensor provides 8MP more than Nikon L21'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 SZ8 and L21 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic SZ8 and Nikon L21 Cameras
Panasonic SZ8 and Nikon L21 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 Nikon L21 has 59% larger pixel area (2.78µm 2 vs 1.74µm 2 ) compared to Panasonic SZ8, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to 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 SZ8
or the
Nikon L21 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
