Canon ELPH 520 HS vs Canon 170 IS

In this article, we will be evaluating the Canon ELPH 520 HS versus Canon 170 IS, both Ultracompact cameras and both are produced by Canon. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the ELPH 520 HS (10MP) and 170 IS (20MP) but they come with the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The ELPH 520 HS was released 4 years prior to the 170 IS and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Ultracompact).

Before going in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the ELPH 520 HS grades vs the 170 IS with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon ELPH 520 HS and Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS. The complete galleries are available at Canon ELPH 520 HS Gallery and Canon 170 IS Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Canon ELPH 520 HS provides outer dimensions of 87mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.4" x 2.1" x 0.7") having a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Canon 170 IS has proportions of 100mm x 58mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

See the Canon ELPH 520 HS versus Canon 170 IS in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the ELPH 520 HS and the 170 IS.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ELPH 520 HS and 170 IS is 96 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements just by seeing technical specs. The photograph below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the ELPH 520 HS and 170 IS.

As you can tell, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Canon 170 IS to provide more detail as a result of its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older ELPH 520 HS will be behind with regard to sensor tech.