Sony H20 has a
10.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Sony W710 has a
16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor .
Sony W710's sensor provides 6MP more than Sony H20'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 H20 and W710 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony H20 and Sony W710 Cameras
Sony H20 and Sony W710 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 Sony H20 has 59% larger pixel area compared to Sony W710, 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
Sony H20
or the
Sony W710 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
