Canon SD1200 IS vs Canon SX170 IS

Let's examine more closely at the Canon SD1200 IS and Canon SX170 IS, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Canon. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the SD1200 IS (10MP) and SX170 IS (16MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SD1200 IS was manufactured 5 years earlier than the SX170 IS which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a quick view of how the SD1200 IS scores versus the SX170 IS with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS & Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. The entire galleries are provided at Canon SD1200 IS Gallery & Canon SX170 IS Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Canon SD1200 IS provides outside measurements of 86mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.4" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Canon SX170 IS has specifications of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SD1200 IS and Canon SX170 IS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SD1200 IS compared to the SX170 IS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SD1200 IS and SX170 IS is 95 and 88 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes merely by looking at specifications. The pic below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SD1200 IS and SX170 IS.

To sum up, both cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Canon SX170 IS to give you more detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SD1200 IS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.