Both Sony HX30V and Panasonic FZ80 have 18.0 MP resolution sensors but Sony HX30V's sensor is 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) and Panasonic FZ80's sensor is 1/2.3 (6.17 x 4.55 mm ).
Since Panasonic FZ80's has a larger sensor area with the same resolution, this means that it also has a larger pixel area hence better light collecting capacity for a given aperture compared to Sony HX30V.
Below you can see the HX30V and FZ80 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony HX30V and Panasonic FZ80 Cameras
Sony HX30V and Panasonic FZ80 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.
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
Panasonic FZ80 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
One thing to watch when comparing these two: they have different sensor sizes
(1/2.3-inch versus 1/2.3),
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.
