Sony HX5 has a
10.0MP 1/2.4-inch (6.104 x 4.578 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Bionz processor. On the other hand, Panasonic ZR3 has a
14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Venus Engine HD II processor.
Below you can see the HX5 and ZR3 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony HX5 and Panasonic ZR3 Cameras
Sony HX5 and Panasonic ZR3 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 HX5
or the
Panasonic ZR3 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
One thing to watch when comparing these two: they have different sensor sizes
(1/2.4-inch versus 1/2.3-inch),
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.
