Canon S200 vs Canon SX170 IS

Let's look more closely at the Canon S200 versus Canon SX170 IS, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are sold by Canon. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the S200 (10MP) and SX170 IS (16MP) and the S200 (1/1.7") and SX170 IS (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The S200 was launched 7 months after the SX170 IS which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the S200 scores against the SX170 IS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot S200 and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. The complete galleries are provided at Canon S200 Gallery and Canon SX170 IS Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Canon S200 enjoys exterior measurements of 100mm x 59mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 181 grams (0.40 lbs) and the Canon SX170 IS has specifications of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Canon S200 versus Canon SX170 IS in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the S200 vs the SX170 IS.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the S200 and SX170 IS is 93 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions just by reviewing specs. The pic below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the S200 and SX170 IS.

All in all, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The S200 featuring a larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Canon SX170 IS will deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The younger S200 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.