Canon SX240 HS has a
12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Digic 5 processor. On the other hand, Canon SX170 IS has a
16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4 processor.
Below you can see the SX240 HS and SX170 IS sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Canon SX240 HS and Canon SX170 IS Cameras
Canon SX240 HS and Canon SX170 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 SX240 HS has 32% larger pixel area compared to Canon SX170 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 SX240 HS
or the
Canon SX170 IS ,
including hyperfocal distance.
