Sony FX30 has a
26.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Bionz XR processor. On the other hand, Sony A500 has a
12.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Bionz processor.
Sony FX30's sensor provides 14MP more than Sony A500'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 FX30 and A500 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony FX30 and Sony A500 Cameras
Sony FX30 and Sony A500 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 Sony A500 has 113% larger pixel area (30.12µm 2 vs 14.10µm 2 ) compared to Sony FX30, 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 FX30
or the
Sony A500 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
