Canon ELPH 100 HS vs Canon SX170 IS

On this page, we will be matching up the Canon ELPH 100 HS and Canon SX170 IS, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Canon. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the ELPH 100 HS (12MP) and SX170 IS (16MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ELPH 100 HS was launched 3 years before the SX170 IS and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Canon ELPH 100 HS being a Ultracompact camera and the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple view of how the ELPH 100 HS matches up against the SX170 IS in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon ELPH 100 HS and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon ELPH 100 HS Gallery and Canon SX170 IS Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon ELPH 100 HS features exterior measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 140 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Canon SX170 IS has measurements of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Canon ELPH 100 HS and Canon SX170 IS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the ELPH 100 HS and the SX170 IS.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the ELPH 100 HS and SX170 IS is 96 and 88 respectively.

Often, its difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing simply by checking specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ELPH 100 HS and SX170 IS.

All in all, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Canon SX170 IS to give greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older ELPH 100 HS is going to be behind in sensor tech.