Canon SX720 HS has a
20.3MP 1/2.3 (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 6 processor. On the other hand, Sony W560 has a
14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features BIONZ processor.
Canon SX720 HS's sensor provides 6.3MP more than Sony W560'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 SX720 HS and W560 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Canon SX720 HS and Sony W560 Cameras
Canon SX720 HS and Sony W560 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 Sony W560 has 44% larger pixel area (2.01µm 2 vs 1.39µm 2 ) compared to Canon SX720 HS, 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 SX720 HS
or the
Sony W560 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
One thing to watch when comparing these two: they have different sensor sizes
(1/2.3 versus 1/2.3-inch),
so compare them at the same framing rather than the same focal length.
Put the same focal length on the smaller sensor and it will show less depth of
field, not more, because it also crops tighter. The calculator shows the
full frame equivalent focal length for each body so you can match the framing.
