Canon 1D MIV vs Canon SX170 IS

Let's take a more detailed look at the Canon 1D MIV vs Canon SX170 IS, one is a Pro DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Canon. The sensor resolution of the 1D MIV (16MP) and the SX170 IS (16MP) is very close but the 1D MIV (APS-H) and SX170 IS (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The 1D MIV was unveiled 4 years before the SX170 IS which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Canon 1D MIV being a Large SLR camera and the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summation of how the 1D MIV matches up vs the SX170 IS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. The full galleries are viewable at Canon 1D MIV Gallery and Canon SX170 IS Gallery.

When you are aiming to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon 1D MIV has external measurements of 156mm x 157mm x 80mm (6.1" x 6.2" x 3.1") along with a weight of 1230 grams (2.71 lbs) whilst the Canon SX170 IS has dimensions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check the Canon 1D MIV vs Canon SX170 IS in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the 1D MIV versus the SX170 IS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the 1D MIV and SX170 IS is 51 and 88 respectively.

Usually, its tough to see the contrast in sensor dimensions only by viewing technical specs. The image below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the 1D MIV and SX170 IS.

As you have seen, both cameras posses the exact same MP but not the same sensor dimensions. The 1D MIV comes with the larger sensor which should make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult. The more aged 1D MIV will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.