Canon G9 X vs Canon SX170 IS

Below is a in-depth comparison of the Canon G9 X versus Canon SX170 IS, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are designed by Canon. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the G9 X (20MP) and SX170 IS (16MP) and the G9 X (1") and SX170 IS (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The G9 X was released 2 years later than the SX170 IS and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a simple view of how the G9 X scores against the SX170 IS when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot G9 X and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. The complete galleries are available at Canon G9 X Gallery and Canon SX170 IS Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon G9 X offers outside measurements of 98mm x 58mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") and a weight of 209 grams (0.46 lbs) while the Canon SX170 IS has measurements of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Compare the Canon G9 X versus Canon SX170 IS in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the G9 X against the SX170 IS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the G9 X and SX170 IS is 92 and 88 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by seeing specifications. The graphic underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the G9 X and SX170 IS.

To sum up, each of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The G9 X featuring a larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Canon G9 X will show more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The newer G9 X is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.