Canon SX1 IS has a
10.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Nikon P510 has a
16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed C2 processor.
Nikon P510's sensor provides 6MP more than Canon SX1 IS'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 SX1 IS and P510 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Canon SX1 IS and Nikon P510 Cameras
Canon SX1 IS and Nikon P510 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 SX1 IS has 59% larger pixel area compared to Nikon P510, 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 SX1 IS
or the
Nikon P510 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
