Sony S950 has a
10.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Canon Elph 115 IS has a
16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features DIGIC 5 processor.
Canon Elph 115 IS's sensor provides 6MP more than Sony S950'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 S950 and Elph 115 IS sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony S950 and Canon Elph 115 IS Cameras
Sony S950 and Canon Elph 115 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 Sony S950 has 32% larger pixel area compared to Canon Elph 115 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
Sony S950
or the
Canon Elph 115 IS ,
including hyperfocal distance.
