Canon SX170 IS vs Canon SX210 IS

Two Canon Superzooms Walk into a Frame: The SX170 IS vs. SX210 IS Shootout

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, Canon has long played the game of packing surprising zoom reach and user-friendly features into a compact body. But with an evolving lineup over the years, the question naturally arises: How do their more recent entries stack up against slightly older siblings - and more importantly, which is right for you? Today, I’m diving deep into the Canon PowerShot SX170 IS (2013) and the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS (2010) for a thorough, 2500-word, no-nonsense comparison.

Having tested thousands of cameras across genres and price points, I’m here to weigh up their specs with hands-on impressions, scrutinize their real-world performance, and tell you candidly what you’d get out of each. Buckle up - this is more than just data-points; it’s a journey into what makes each camera tick, and a guide to help you pick your photographic mate.

Getting a Grip: Size, Ergonomics & Handling

First impressions often come from how a camera feels in your hand. No matter the specs, if it’s awkward or flimsy, you’d think twice before using it much.

The SX170 IS comes in a comfortable compact shell with dimensions around 108mm wide, 71mm tall, and 44mm deep, tipping the scales at 251 grams with its NB-6LH battery loaded. Meanwhile, the SX210 IS is slightly more diminutive at 103 x 61 x 38 mm and lighter at 220 grams. Both are pocketable in a roomy coat but not quite the “throw in your jeans” kind of portable to prefer high discretion street shooting.

The SX170 IS feels a bit more substantial and reassuring in hand, thanks partly to its marginally larger body and a grip that is easier to hold over extended shooting sessions. The SX210 IS, while sleek, can feel a tad toy-like in your palms, especially for those of us with larger mitts. Neither camera sports extensive specialized grip texture, but both compensate with straightforward right-hand placement for the controls - though neither offers a dedicated grip strap or pronounced thumb rest.

Ergonomics-wise, both maintain a straightforward layout, but as we’ll see next, there’s a fair chunk of difference in control structure.

Top Plate & Control Layout: Intuitive or Clunky?

You can have the best sensor in the world, but if the controls make you fumble or slow down your shooting workflow, frustration ensues.

The SX170 IS’s control scheme is somewhat more modern, with a clear mode dial supporting Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, Auto, and Custom modes – pretty solid for a bridge-style compact. Its few buttons are sensibly placed for easy access - although none are illuminated, so shooting in dim conditions requires extra care.

The SX210 IS, an earlier model, features a traditional layout that is a bit less refined. It has fewer modes available on the dial and lacks dedicated direct buttons for video record or ISO, which always annoyed me slightly during testing. However, it’s simpler for beginners to grasp.

Both cameras have no electronic or optical viewfinder, so you rely on their LCD screens, which we’ll cover shortly. The absence of a viewfinder makes them less ideal for bright daylight framing or prolonged wildlife or sports shooting where stability is key.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technologies & Image Quality

Here’s where things get interesting, because despite sharing many physical traits, these two cameras differ subtly in sensor resolution and core imaging.

Both cameras run on a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an effective sensor area of about 28 mm². Sticking with CCDs rather than CMOS (by 2010–2013 standards) means they share similar noise characteristics, with better color depth and fine detail in well-lit scenes but a reputation for noisy images at high ISO.

The SX170 IS boasts a slightly higher resolution at 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456 max) compared to the SX210 IS’s 14 megapixels (4320 x 3240 max). On paper, a higher pixel count could mean more detail resolution, but with very small sensors, it also risks increased noise due to smaller photodiodes.

In my hands-on testing - using raw files is not an option here as neither camera offers RAW support - JPGs from the SX170 IS showed a touch more detail but also a slightly softer output due to in-camera noise reduction and JPEG compression. The SX210 IS’s images appear a bit crisper but can have more visible noise and artifacts in the shadows when pushed.

ISO-wise, both max out at ISO 1600 native with no expanded ISO, and both perform similarly with noise becoming objectionable past ISO 400. For casual landscape or travel use, stick to ISO 100–200 for clean output.

Color rendering from both cameras is fairly neutral, with the SX170 IS applying a warmer tonal curve by default, which might appeal to portrait shooters seeking pleasant skin tone rendition without extra PP. The SX210 IS tends to produce cooler and more contrasty JPG files.

LCD Screens and User Interface

Since these cameras lack viewfinders, the backscreens become the window into your composition and review experience.

Both feature a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 230,000 pixel resolution. This might seem poor compared to modern cameras sporting over a million dots, but it was standard for their eras.

The SX170 IS’s screen delivers bright, saturated colors with decent viewing angles - although outdoor visibility in bright light is limited. The SX210 IS is somewhat dimmer and less vibrant but sufficient for framing shots.

Neither offers touchscreen functionality or articulation, limiting flexibility for creative angles - especially frustrating for macro and street photographers who often prefer articulating LCDs.

Menus on both are Canon’s typical cluttered but straightforward fare. The SX170 IS’s slightly more recent firmware provides a cleaner menu design with quick access to exposure compensation, ISO, and white balance presets - useful for rapid shooting adjustments.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Stretching the Frame

Both are fixed lens superzooms aiming at travelers and casual shooters wanting versatile focal ranges.

The Canon SX170 IS features a 28–448mm equivalent zoom (16x) aperture F3.5–5.9 lens.

Meanwhile, the SX210 IS offers a 28–392mm equivalent zoom (14x) aperture F3.1–5.9 lens.

The slightly longer reach and higher zoom factor on the SX170 IS gives it an edge for shooting distant subjects - think wildlife or sports. However, the F3.1 wider aperture on the SX210 IS’s wide end theoretically allows a tiny bit more light, useful indoors or at dawn.

During field tests, the SX170 IS’s lens delivered a slight disadvantage in low light with slower maximum aperture but compensated with stronger image stabilization - more on that soon.

Both exhibit some degree of optical distortion and softness at the extreme telephoto end, which is typical of long-range superzooms. However, center sharpness is respectable given the compact form-factor.

Autofocus Performance and Accuracy

AF speed and accuracy are deal breakers for genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus with face detection (only on SX170 IS) and lack phase detection or advanced tracking.

The SX170 IS offers face detection AF, which helps with portraits and candid shots involving people. Unfortunately, neither supports continuous AF or animal eye detection, limiting their utility with erratic wildlife.

What’s most noticeable during testing is that the SX210 IS’s 9-point AF system is notably slower to lock focus, especially in low light or at telephoto lengths. It often hunted for longer than comfortable, leading to missed shots.

The SX170 IS, while not blazing fast, offers more responsive autofocus with some live view enhancements, making it less frustrating for spontaneous shooting.

Neither camera supports continuous AF for video, and autofocus motors are relatively audible (if you get close enough with the mic).

Burst Count and Shutter Speeds

If you’re tapping into action photography or sports, continuous shooting speeds and shutter responsiveness matter.

Both cameras are limited, offering a modest 1 frame per second continuous shooting, which is painfully slow by modern standards. This makes them unsuitable for high-speed action, despite the telephoto lens reach.

Shutter speeds across both cover 15 seconds to 1/3200 sec, including bulb mode for longer exposures. This flexibility allows for creative night photography and some astrophotography fun, assuming you use a tripod.

Image Stabilization

Both cameras sport optical image stabilization, crucial at extended zoom lengths or low shutter speeds.

The SX170 IS benefits from a refined stabilization system, with Canon’s optical IS enabling up to 4 stops of shutter speed compensation in practice. This difference means you can handhold sharper shots at around 1/100 sec at full zoom more reliably.

The SX210 IS’s stabilization is effective but less impressive, resulting in some blurriness creeping in more often.

Video Capabilities

Moving images present a different challenge. Both cameras can record 720p HD video at 30 fps, encoded in H.264.

The SX210 IS has an HDMI output, allowing for easy playback on compatible displays - a feature the SX170 IS lacks, offering only USB 2.0 connectivity.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks, limiting sound control options.

In practice, video quality is serviceable for casual clips but not comparable to modern mirrorless or DSLR-derived video quality - the fixed lens limits your framing flexibility.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery life is always a make-or-break feature for travelers and event shooters.

The SX170 IS uses the NB-6LH battery rated for around 300 shots per charge under Canon’s testing, while the SX210 IS uses the NB-5L battery with no official rated life, but expect slightly fewer shots given the smaller battery size.

Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with the SX210 IS boasting support for additional card types like MMC variants - which might be handy if you have legacy media lying around.

Connectivity and Extras

In terms of wireless connectivity, both cameras support Eye-Fi card compatibility, allowing Wi-Fi transfer provided you buy and insert an Eye-Fi card. Neither offers built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC.

The SX210 IS’s HDMI port gives it a slight edge for direct playback.

Neither camera includes GPS or weather sealing, so rugged outdoor work demands extra protection.

Real-World Photography Use Cases & Image Samples

Here’s where the rubber meets the road - and the cameras differentiate themselves beyond specs.

Canon SX170 IS front Canon SX170 IS screen back Canon SX210 IS screen back

Portrait Photography

The SX170 IS, with face detection and better color warmth, edges ahead for flattering skin tones and easier focusing on eyes. The wider focal range offers good framing flexibility.

The SX210 IS’s cooler color rendering can make skin tones look less inviting, and the lack of face detect means more manual focus effort.

Bokeh is limited on both due to small sensor and narrow maximum apertures; neither is ideal if creamy background blur is your must-have.

Landscape Photography

Sharpness at wide-angle is acceptable on both, but the SX170 IS’s higher resolution provides a touch more detail for large prints.

Neither camera excels in dynamic range, typical of CCD sensors, and noise suppression is aggressive in shadows.

No weather sealing means you’ll want to shelter these compact shooters when chasing landscapes outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports

The SX170 IS’s longer zoom and slightly quicker AF give it an advantage, but the slow 1 fps burst rate limits capturing fast action sequences.

The SX210 IS struggles both on AF and telephoto reach, so out of the two, the SX170 IS better handles distant subjects despite limitations.

Street Photography

Neither camera is particularly stealthy due to size and bulbous lens, but the SX210 IS’s smaller size makes it less conspicuous. However, slower AF and lack of face detection can hurt candid street shots.

Macro Photography

The SX170 IS’s macro focus distance of 1 cm beats the SX210 IS’s 5 cm minimum, letting you get closer for intimate detail.

Manual focus controls help with precision, but neither camera offers focus bracketing or stacking, so fine detail in macro might require patience.

Night and Astro Photography

With minimum shutter speed of 15 seconds and bulb modes, both allow long exposure night shots.

SX170 IS’s better image stabilization is moot here since a tripod is mandatory.

High ISO images become noisy beyond ISO 400, so keep expectations modest.

Video

Both cameras deliver basic 720p video suitable for casual sharing but limited control means pros and vloggers will want something more modern.

The HDMI port on the SX210 IS is a small plus for screening videos.

Travel Photography

For compactness and versatility, these cameras fit the bill if you want a zoom you can carry all day.

The SX170 IS’s better ergonomics and longer zoom reach make it my pick for trips with varied photo opportunities.

Battery life is sufficient for a day’s shooting, but bring spares.

Professional Work and Workflow Considerations

These cameras are geared toward enthusiasts and casual shooters rather than full-time pros. No RAW support, limited AF sophistication, and lack of ruggedness means neither is ideal for professional work.

However, for quick field shots, social media content, or every-day documentation, they handle common aspects well, especially the SX170 IS.

Overall Performance Ratings

Based on composite scoring across image quality, focus, handling, and features, here’s how they stack up:

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

When breaking down by photographic genre, the image below illustrates the strengths and weaknesses succinctly:

Technical Summary Table and Buying Advice

Final Thoughts: Which Canon Superzoom Suits You?

• Choose the Canon SX170 IS if you want a better ergonomic grip, longer zoom reach, slightly improved autofocus with face detection, and warmer color rendition. It’s better suited for travel, portraits, and casual wildlife shooting - especially if you prioritize handling and versatility over ultra-compact form.

• Choose the Canon SX210 IS if you want a slightly more pocketable body, a marginally wider aperture at the wide end, and the convenience of HDMI output. It’s a solid pick for casual users who prioritize size and easy video playback on TVs but can handle slower AF.

Both cameras are limited by their CCD small sensors, producing noise at higher ISOs, no RAW support, and sluggish continuous shooting. They aren’t contenders for demanding pro work or fast-action photography. Yet, as budget-friendly superzoom compacts, they deliver respectable image quality and zoom versatility for everyday photo walks, travel memories, and snapshots with simplicity.

Personally, despite the SX170 IS’s age, I found it the more rewarding camera to actually use day to day, with better handling and a lens that stretched farther without too many compromises. If you can find one for a good price, it’s the smarter buy for enthusiasts who want ease of use with a touch of photographic control.

Photography gear is all about matching tools to style and needs. I hope this hands-on, no-nonsense comparison narrows down your decision and helps you feel confident about your next Canon superzoom camera adventure.

Happy shooting - and may your zooms always bring you closer to the stories you want to tell!