Canon SX170 IS vs Canon SX50 HS

Following is a comprehensive overview of the Canon SX170 IS vs Canon SX50 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and both are offered by Canon. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and SX50 HS (12MP) but they use the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX170 IS was revealed 8 months after the SX50 HS which means that they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Canon SX50 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a short summation of how the SX170 IS grades against the SX50 HS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS & Canon PowerShot SX50 HS. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX170 IS Gallery & Canon SX50 HS Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX170 IS provides outer 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) and the Canon SX50 HS has measurements of 123mm x 87mm x 106mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 4.2") with a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs).

See the Canon SX170 IS vs Canon SX50 HS in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the SX170 IS compared to the SX50 HS.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX170 IS and SX50 HS is 88 and 65 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes merely by looking through specifications. The image underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SX170 IS and SX50 HS.

To sum up, both cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You can expect the Canon SX170 IS to render greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more modern SX170 IS provides an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.