Canon 170 IS vs Panasonic G9

Here, we are reviewing the Canon 170 IS versus Panasonic G9, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by brands Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the 170 IS (20MP) and the G9 (20MP) is very well matched but the 170 IS (1/2.3") and G9 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The 170 IS was introduced 3 years before the G9 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Canon 170 IS being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic G9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the 170 IS scores vs the G9 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS and Panasonic Lumix DC-G9. The whole galleries are provided at Canon 170 IS Gallery and Panasonic G9 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon 170 IS comes with external dimensions of 100mm x 58mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Panasonic G9 has proportions of 137mm x 97mm x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6") and a weight of 658 grams (1.45 lbs).

Look at the Canon 170 IS versus Panasonic G9 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the 170 IS and the G9.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 170 IS and G9 is 95 and 62 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing merely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the 170 IS and G9.

Clearly, both the cameras come with the identical megapixels but not the same sensor sizing. The 170 IS offers the tinier sensor which will make getting shallow depth of field more challenging. The older 170 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.