Canon SX170 IS has a
16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4 processor. On the other hand, Canon SX230 HS has a
12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology processor.
Below you can see the SX170 IS and SX230 HS sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Canon SX170 IS and Canon SX230 HS Cameras
Canon SX170 IS and Canon SX230 HS 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 SX230 HS has 32% larger pixel area (2.34µm 2 vs 1.76µm 2 ) compared to Canon SX170 IS, 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
Canon SX170 IS
or the
Canon SX230 HS ,
including hyperfocal distance.
