Canon XC10 has a 1-inch sensor with dimensions of 12.8 x 9.6 mm and sensor area of 122.88mm2.
It is 172% smaller than the average Large Sensor Compact sensor in its class. In cases where all the other parameters are the same between two cameras, the one with the larger sensor collects more light per pixel and performs better (less noise) in low light / High ISO conditions). Larger sensors also give the photographer more control on the depth of field.
Read our detailed Canon XC10 Review