Canon S90 vs Canon SX170 IS

Below, we will be reviewing the Canon S90 and Canon SX170 IS, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Canon. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the S90 (10MP) and SX170 IS (16MP) and the S90 (1/1.7") and SX170 IS (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The S90 was launched 4 years before the SX170 IS which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the S90 scores versus the SX170 IS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot S90 & Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. The complete galleries are available at Canon S90 Gallery & Canon SX170 IS Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Canon S90 provides outside dimensions of 100mm x 58mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Canon SX170 IS has sizing of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Analyze the Canon S90 and Canon SX170 IS in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the S90 vs the SX170 IS.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the S90 and SX170 IS is 92 and 88 respectively.

Often, its difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizes purely by viewing technical specs. The image below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the S90 and SX170 IS.

As you can tell, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S90 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Canon SX170 IS will result in more detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged S90 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.