Canon A4000 IS vs Canon SX170 IS

Let's examine more closely at the Canon A4000 IS and Canon SX170 IS, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are sold by Canon. The sensor resolution of the A4000 IS (16MP) and the SX170 IS (16MP) is pretty well matched and they possess the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The A4000 IS was unveiled 18 months earlier than the SX170 IS which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the A4000 IS grades vs the SX170 IS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot A4000 IS & Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. The full galleries are provided at Canon A4000 IS Gallery & Canon SX170 IS Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon A4000 IS has got exterior measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs) and the Canon SX170 IS has measurements of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Compare the Canon A4000 IS and Canon SX170 IS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the A4000 IS compared to the SX170 IS.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A4000 IS and SX170 IS is 95 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements purely by looking at specs. The graphic underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the A4000 IS and SX170 IS.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements and the same megapixels therefore you can expect similar quality of photos although you have to take the launch date of the products into consideration. The older A4000 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.