Canon 170 IS vs Sony WX1

Here, we will be matching up the Canon 170 IS and Sony WX1, both Ultracompact cameras by manufacturers Canon and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the 170 IS (20MP) and WX1 (10MP) and the 170 IS (1/2.3") and WX1 (1/2.4") boast different sensor sizing.

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The 170 IS was released 5 years later than the WX1 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Ultracompact).

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the 170 IS grades against the WX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon 170 IS Gallery & Sony WX1 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Canon 170 IS features external measurements of 100mm x 58mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Sony WX1 has sizing of 91mm x 52mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.8") with a weight of 149 grams (0.33 lbs).

Check out the Canon 170 IS and Sony WX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the 170 IS against the WX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the 170 IS and WX1 is 95 and 96 respectively.

Often, it's hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing simply by viewing specifications. The photograph below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the 170 IS and WX1.

Plainly, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The 170 IS because of its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Canon 170 IS will result in greater detail as a result of its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The newer 170 IS should have a benefit in sensor tech.