Panasonic DMC-FZ18 vs Fuji S8000fd: CCD size difference

[Argelius]

I'm interested in the upcoming Fuji S8000fd 18x superzoom and am comparing its specs to the Panasonic DMC-FZ18.

I see the Fuji has a 1/2.35" CCD (as does the Olympus SP-560uz) and the Panasonic has a 1/2.5" sensor (as does the Sony DSC-H9).

All other things being equal, is having a larger CCD "better"?

Thanks.

[genece]

All other things being equal.......having a larger sensor for 8mp is better...
less pixel density should equate to less noise.
But the difference between 1/2.5 and 1/2.35 is not very great....(I think .4 mm)
http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/Camera_System/sensor_sizes_01.htm

[Argelius]

Interesting. Thanks!

Would love to see a head-to-head comparison once all the new 18x superzooms are out.

I'd previously owned the Olympus 550 but found it's shot-to-shot times really slow. I also tried the Sony H7 found found it unacceptably noisy. I guess I'm sort of a camera whore...always looking for something better..

[genece]

There have been lots of photos posted from the FZ18 over at dpreview.....but If your looking at an ultrazoom its either noise or NR ..... I prefer noise to the NR........but if wildlife was not one of my main interests.....I might feel differently.
I felt the softness of the 550 was due to NR ,did you feel differently?
I did not think the H9 was noisey, but it too seemed very soft to me.