I found this on the web. No information about the lenses used and setting parameters but it gives you an idea of the different sensitivities, and the differences in DoF that you get when you compare s35 to ½-inch sensor sizes.
Very interesting test, but no information on shutter speeds and f-stop values.
Other than making it easier to compress, the shallow DoF places additional burdens on the camera operator to maintain the subject in proper focus.
Maybe in 3-5 years, Sony will have a 3-chip S35 camera on the market in this price range, or lower.