Sony HX30V has a
18.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features BIONZ processor. On the other hand, Canon D30 has a
12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 4 processor.
Sony HX30V's sensor provides 6MP more than Canon D30'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 HX30V and D30 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony HX30V and Canon D30 Cameras
Sony HX30V and Canon D30 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 Canon D30 has 49% larger pixel area (2.34µm 2 vs 1.56µm 2 ) compared to Sony HX30V, 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
Sony HX30V
or the
Canon D30 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
