Both Sony HX9V and Olympus SH-3 have 16.0 MP resolution sensors but Sony HX9V's sensor is 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) and Olympus SH-3's sensor is 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ).
Since Olympus SH-3'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 HX9V.
Below you can see the HX9V and SH-3 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony HX9V and Olympus SH-3 Cameras
Sony HX9V and Olympus SH-3 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 HX9V
or the
Olympus SH-3 ,
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.
