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, Panasonic ZS8 has a
14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Venus Engine FHD processor.
Below you can see the HX30V and ZS8 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony HX30V and Panasonic ZS8 Cameras
Sony HX30V and Panasonic ZS8 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
Sony HX30V
or the
Panasonic ZS8 ,
including hyperfocal distance.