Nikon AW130 has a
16.0MP 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Canon SD940 IS has a
12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4 processor.
Below you can see the AW130 and SD940 IS sensor size comparison.
Nikon AW130 and Canon SD940 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 SD940 IS has 32% larger pixel area (2.34µm2 vs 1.76µm2) compared to Nikon AW130, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.