Canon SX210 IS has a
14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4 processor. On the other hand, Sony HX50V has a
20.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor .
Sony HX50V's sensor provides 6MP more than Canon SX210 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 SX210 IS and HX50V sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Canon SX210 IS and Sony HX50V Cameras
Canon SX210 IS and Sony HX50V 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 SX210 IS has 8% larger pixel area compared to Sony HX50V, 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 SX210 IS
or the
Sony HX50V ,
including hyperfocal distance.
