Canon ELPH 520 HS has a
10.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 5 processor. On the other hand, Canon SX160 IS has a
16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4 processor.
Canon SX160 IS's sensor provides 6MP more than Canon ELPH 520 HS'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 ELPH 520 HS and SX160 IS sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Canon ELPH 520 HS and Canon SX160 IS Cameras
Canon ELPH 520 HS and Canon SX160 IS 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 Canon ELPH 520 HS has 59% larger pixel area compared to Canon SX160 IS, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence 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
Canon ELPH 520 HS
or the
Canon SX160 IS ,
including hyperfocal distance.
