Canon SX170 IS vs Canon SX540 HS

Lets look a little more closely at the Canon SX170 IS vs Canon SX540 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and they are both created by Canon. The resolution of the SX170 IS (16MP) and the SX540 HS (20MP) is very similar and they feature the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX170 IS was introduced 3 years earlier than the SX540 HS which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Canon SX540 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SX170 IS matches up vs the SX540 HS when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Canon PowerShot SX540 HS. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Canon SX540 HS Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX170 IS offers exterior dimensions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Canon SX540 HS has dimensions of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX170 IS vs Canon SX540 HS in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SX170 IS compared to the SX540 HS.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX170 IS and SX540 HS is 88 and 69 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions just by reading specs. The image here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SX170 IS and SX540 HS.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You should expect to see the Canon SX540 HS to offer you extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged SX170 IS is going to be behind in sensor technology.