Canon A1100 IS vs Fujifilm FinePix A170: In-Depth Comparison of Compact Digital Cameras from 2009

Choosing the right compact camera involves balancing image quality, handling, features, and price. Today, we’re taking a close look at two small sensor compacts announced in 2009 that offer distinct strengths for casual photographers or enthusiasts seeking portability: Canon’s PowerShot A1100 IS and Fujifilm’s FinePix A170. While these cameras originated in the era before smartphone dominance, they showcase core digital imaging fundamentals that still influence buying choices today. In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll draw from extensive firsthand testing to unpack how they perform across key photography genres, evaluate their technology, and help you decide which may best meet your needs.

Getting to Know the Gear: An Overview of Both Models

Before deep-diving into specifics, here’s a quick summary of each camera’s identity:

Canon PowerShot A1100 IS (Announced February 2009)

• Sensor: 12MP 1/2.3" CCD
• Lens: 35-140mm equiv. (4x zoom), f/2.7–5.6
• Image Stabilization: Optical IS
• Screen: 2.5" fixed, 115k dots
• Viewfinder: Optical tunnel
• Video: 640x480 @ 30fps, Motion JPEG
• Focus Points: 9, with face detection
• Battery: 2x AA
• Weight: 150g
• Price (at launch): approx. $160

Fujifilm FinePix A170 (Announced July 2009)

• Sensor: 10MP 1/2.3" CCD
• Lens: 32-96mm equiv. (3x zoom), f/3.1–5.6
• Image Stabilization: None
• Screen: 2.7" fixed, 230k dots
• Viewfinder: None
• Video: 640x480 @ 30fps, Motion JPEG
• Focus Points: Contrast-detection, no face detection
• Battery: Proprietary rechargeable
• Weight: 140g
• Price (at launch): approx. $80

From specs alone, Canon’s A1100 IS appears positioned slightly higher - with more megapixels, optical image stabilization, a longer zoom range, and included optical viewfinder. Fujifilm’s A170 is simpler, aiming for budget-conscious users with a modest zoom, better screen resolution, but lacks stabilization and a finder.

As you can see in the physical size comparison above, both cameras are pocketable and similarly compact, but Canon’s unit is marginally larger and thicker due to its lens and IS hardware. This impacts handling, discussed further below.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Beyond the Megapixels

While pixel counts are often the first spec buyers glance at, real-world image quality depends on myriad factors, including sensor design, lens quality, and processing pipelines.

Both cameras use 1/2.3" CCD sensors - the industry standard for compacts then and still common today - but with different resolutions (Canon 12MP vs. Fujifilm 10MP). At this sensor size, pixel pitch is inherently limited, which impacts noise and dynamic range potential.

In my side-by-side testing of RAW-equivalent JPEG results (note: neither supports RAW capture), Canon’s higher resolving power and slightly wider f/2.7 aperture at the wide end offer a measurable edge in sharpness and color fidelity, especially under good lighting. Fujifilm’s sensor, while competent, shows more softness and higher noise at ISO 400 and above due to smaller effective pixels and noisier amplification.

Dynamic range is limited on both - typical for CCDs of the time - but Canon’s Digic 4 processor handles highlight roll-off marginally better, avoiding the clipped whites that Fujifilm’s A170 often produces in high-contrast scenes. Color reproduction leans toward warmer saturation on Fuji, lending a punchy but sometimes unrealistic look; Canon’s output is more neutral, which appeals to those pursuing natural skin tones or landscapes.

In low light, Canon’s optical image stabilization enables slower shutter speeds without introducing camera shake - something Fuji cannot match, resulting in softer images or higher ISO grain.

Summary:

• Canon A1100 IS offers cleaner ISO performance, better highlight control, and sharper images overall.
• Fujifilm A170’s sensor and processing produce softer, noisier results particularly beyond ISO 200.

Autofocus Performance and Accuracy: The Heartbeat of All Photography

Autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy are crucial across genres, especially when photographing moving subjects.

Canon’s A1100 IS uses a 9-point contrast detection AF system enhanced with face detection, while Fujifilm’s A170 employs a simpler contrast detection system with no face detection and an undisclosed number of AF points.

From my testing, Canon is noticeably faster and more reliable - locking focus quickly even in moderate low light, with fewer instances of hunting or missed focus. Face detection works well to prioritize eyes in portraits - an important consideration for snapshots and casual portraiture.

Fujifilm’s autofocus is slower to lock and prone to hunting, especially in dimmer environments, sometimes missing precise focus on closer subjects or complex compositions. This limits its suitability for action or candid moments.

Neither camera supports tracking or continuous AF in video or burst modes - typical for compact cameras of this era - but Canon’s quicker startup and AF readiness give it an advantage for spontaneity.

Ergonomics, Handling, and User Interface: Comfortable Control Matters

How a camera feels influences how often you use it and your ability to react quickly.

Canon’s A1100 IS offers a traditional compact design with a proper optical viewfinder, well-spaced buttons, a zoom lever around the shutter, and a modestly sized grip. The 2.5" fixed LCD has average brightness and resolution, but the menus are straightforward and customizable with options like white balance adjustment.

Fujifilm’s A170 opts for a slightly larger 2.7" LCD with double the pixel count, enhancing image review and menu navigation. However, it lacks any viewfinder, so composing outdoors in bright sunlight can be challenging. The layout is minimalistic, with intuitive controls but fewer direct buttons, requiring more menu diving for settings adjustments.

Neither camera offers touchscreen or sophisticated manual modes - both designed primarily for point-and-shoot ease, with exposure modes limited to program automatic shooting.

In practice, I found the Canon’s viewfinder a valuable aid for varied lighting and stabilization, while Fujifilm’s crisper screen is a pleasure for framing and reviewing images indoors.

Lens Quality and Optical Performance: Zoom Range and Aperture

The fixed lenses define much of the photographic versatility possible with these compacts.

• Canon A1100 IS: 35-140mm equivalent 4x zoom, brighter wide aperture at f/2.7 growing to f/5.6 at telephoto.
• Fujifilm A170: 32-96mm equivalent 3x zoom, f/3.1–5.6 aperture.

Canon provides a longer reach, beneficial for portraits, street photography, and some wildlife/telephoto applications. The faster aperture at the wide end also helps in low light, providing shallower depth of field for subtle background separation and bokeh effects.

Fujifilm’s lens is more limited in telephoto range and slower aperture, translating to less subject magnification and deeper depth of field (less pronounced bokeh). However, the slightly wider wide-angle 32mm is better for landscapes and group shots in tight spaces.

Both lenses exhibit some distortion and chromatic aberration at extremes, but Canon’s lens control through its processor mitigates this more effectively.

Photography Genre Breakdown: How These Cameras Perform Across Styles

I tested both cameras exhaustively across various photography disciplines to see where their strengths and weaknesses show.

Portrait Photography

Canon’s face detection AF and wider aperture create smoother skin renditions and more pleasing background blur at 35mm focal length. Colours appear more neutral, preserving natural skin tones without oversaturation.

Fujifilm’s A170 tends to harder focus and flatter backgrounds due to slower lens and lack of face priority. Skin tones may appear overly warm or reddish indoors. The softer lens reduces sharpness in eye detail.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras’ 1/2.3" sensors limit fine detail rendition compared to larger formats, but Canon’s 12MP count offers more resolution for prints up to 8x10 inches.

Fujifilm’s slightly wider 32mm wide angle shoots offer more field coverage, which can benefit cramped landscapes, but lack the reach or higher resolution for impressive cropping.

Neither camera includes weather sealing, so outdoor shooting requires care.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera targets fast action shooters, but Canon’s longer zoom and faster AF make it the better choice for tabletop bird shots or slower sports.

Both cameras’ slow burst modes (~1 fps) and lack of tracking AF eliminate their use for serious sports or wildlife in flight.

Street Photography

Canon’s smaller viewfinder aids discreet shooting outdoors, and the 35mm equivalent starting focal length is versatile for candid shots.

Fujifilm is slightly smaller and lighter, but without a viewfinder, screens are hard to see in bright daylight, reducing ease of use on the street.

Macro Photography

Canon’s 3cm minimum focusing distance and optical IS support close-up shots with fine detail capture.

Fujifilm’s 5cm minimum focusing distance and no stabilization limit macro potential; photos require more light and steadiness.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras struggle with long exposure astrophotography due to limited ISO control, fixed aperture ranges, and noisy sensors.

Canon’s optical IS aids handheld low-light shots but lacks bulb mode or extended shutter times.

Video Capabilities: Basic but Usable

Both offer 640x480 resolution at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, standard for the era but primitive compared to today’s HD and 4K standards.

Neither has microphone input or headphone out, limiting sound control.

No image stabilization on Fujifilm hurts handheld video smoothness; Canon’s optical IS considerably improves it.

Video AF is contrast-detection only and slow in both models.

Power, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Considerations

Both cameras use SD/SDHC cards, standard and easily accessible.

Canon runs on two AA batteries - a plus if you need spares anywhere, but potentially heavier and bulkier.

Fujifilm uses a proprietary rechargeable battery, common but requiring access to mains power or spares.

Neither has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS - common for compact cameras from 2009.

Build Quality and Durability: Designed for Everyday Use

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedization.

Build quality is typical consumer compact plastic, but both feel solid for casual use.

What I Found in Real-World Use

Shooters looking for reliable, easy-to-use compacts with decent output for snapshots will appreciate both.

Canon A1100 IS excels for more critical image quality, optical stabilization, and portrait work.

Fujifilm A170 suits those on a strict budget, prioritizing a compact footprint and easy operation over image fidelity.

Overall Performance Ratings

Based on combined image quality, autofocus, handling, and features during my testing:

How They Stack Up Across Photography Types

Practical Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS if:

• You want better image quality with sharper detail and cleaner ISOs.
• You shoot portraits or require more accurate autofocus with face detection.
• You prefer having an optical viewfinder for bright outdoor shooting.
• You value optical image stabilization for handheld low-light photography.
• Your usage includes occasional telephoto or macro shots.
• Portability is important but you accept a slightly larger body and AA batteries.

Choose the Fujifilm FinePix A170 if:

• Budget constraints are tight, and you want a functional, affordable compact camera.
• You prioritize a larger, sharper LCD screen for composing and reviewing images indoors.
• You mostly shoot in well-lit environments where stabilization is less critical.
• You prefer a slightly smaller and lighter camera without the need for a viewfinder.
• You want an easy-to-use camera for casual snapshots and family photos.
• Battery rechargeability and lower weight matter more than AA batteries.

Final Thoughts

Neither the Canon A1100 IS nor Fujifilm A170 matches modern compact cameras for resolution, low-light performance, or video capabilities. Yet each brings strengths for specific users:

Canon A1100 IS is clearly the more capable camera offering enhanced image quality, useful features like optical stabilization and face detection, and a versatile zoom lens that translate into better results across many photography types. If your budget can stretch and you want a compact with functional extras, the A1100 IS is worth the premium.

Fujifilm A170 plays the value card well with solid basics, a nice screen, and compact proportions for easy carrying at a low price. It suffices for casual shooters primarily taking photos in daylight or travel snapshots, but expect limitations in low light, autofocus, and zoom flexibility.

Always consider what you will photograph most and in which conditions. Hands-on testing remains the best way to understand if a camera suits your style - both these models showcase strengths and compromises of compact cameras from their era.

Canon A1100 IS screen back Fujifilm A170 front Fujifilm A170 screen back

With this detailed analysis and my years of comparative testing experience, I hope you feel more confident assessing these two cameras and discovering which aligns better with your photography journey.

If you’re ready to grab one, be sure to check current prices and used options - as these models are long discontinued but still popular as budget-friendly digicams.

Happy shooting!