Panasonic SZ5 has a
14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor . 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 SZ5 and SX170 IS sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic SZ5 and Canon SX170 IS Cameras
Panasonic SZ5 and Canon SX170 IS have almost the same sensor size, so neither of them has any significant advantage over the other in terms of providing control over depth of field when used with the same focal length and aperture.
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
Panasonic SZ5
or the
Canon SX170 IS ,
including hyperfocal distance.
