Samsung ST90 has a
14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.16 x 4.62 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Canon SX230 HS has a
12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology processor.
Below you can see the ST90 and SX230 HS sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Samsung ST90 and Canon SX230 HS Cameras
Samsung ST90 and Canon SX230 HS 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
Samsung ST90
or the
Canon SX230 HS ,
including hyperfocal distance.