Canon 170 IS vs Canon S90

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Canon 170 IS and Canon S90, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are offered by Canon. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the 170 IS (20MP) and S90 (10MP) and the 170 IS (1/2.3") and S90 (1/1.7") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The 170 IS was unveiled 4 years after the S90 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon 170 IS being a Ultracompact camera and the Canon S90 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise summary of how the 170 IS grades vs the S90 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS & Canon PowerShot S90. The full galleries are available at Canon 170 IS Gallery & Canon S90 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Canon 170 IS comes with outer measurements of 100mm x 58mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Canon S90 has sizing of 100mm x 58mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") having a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs).

Look at the Canon 170 IS and Canon S90 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the 170 IS against the S90.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the 170 IS and S90 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes only by reviewing a spec sheet. The pic underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the 170 IS and S90.

Clearly, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The 170 IS having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Canon 170 IS will deliver more detail having an extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The younger 170 IS is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.