Canon 170 IS vs Olympus E-P5

Below is a in-depth comparison of the Canon 170 IS versus Olympus E-P5, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Olympus. There exists a large gap among the resolutions of the 170 IS (20MP) and E-P5 (16MP) and the 170 IS (1/2.3") and E-P5 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor sizing.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The 170 IS was unveiled 16 months later than the E-P5 making them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon 170 IS being a Ultracompact camera and the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a short summary of how the 170 IS grades vs the E-P5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS & Olympus PEN E-P5. The full galleries are viewable at Canon 170 IS Gallery & Olympus E-P5 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon 170 IS has 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) and the Olympus E-P5 has proportions of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") along with a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs).

Contrast the Canon 170 IS versus Olympus E-P5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select during that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the 170 IS compared to the E-P5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 170 IS and E-P5 is 95 and 85 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements purely by seeing technical specs. The graphic below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the 170 IS and E-P5.

As you can tell, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 170 IS using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Canon 170 IS will produce extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop photos way more aggressively. The more recent 170 IS is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.