Canon ELPH 530 HS vs Canon SX170 IS

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Canon ELPH 530 HS versus Canon SX170 IS, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and both of them are sold by Canon. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the ELPH 530 HS (10MP) and SX170 IS (16MP) but they use the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The ELPH 530 HS was launched 18 months before the SX170 IS which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a complete comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the ELPH 530 HS grades against the SX170 IS with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS & Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. The complete galleries are available at Canon ELPH 530 HS Gallery & Canon SX170 IS Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and measurements. The Canon ELPH 530 HS features physical dimensions of 86mm x 54mm x 20mm (3.4" x 2.1" x 0.8") with a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Canon SX170 IS has proportions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

See the Canon ELPH 530 HS versus Canon SX170 IS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose during that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the ELPH 530 HS vs the SX170 IS.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ELPH 530 HS and SX170 IS is 95 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to imagine the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading through specs. The visual below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ELPH 530 HS and SX170 IS.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You can count on the Canon SX170 IS to give you greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older ELPH 530 HS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.