Canon PowerShot SX170 IS vs. SX70 HS: A Definitive Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera to support your creative aspirations involves navigating a sea of technical specifications, practical features, and personal photography goals. Canon, a reliable player in enthusiast and professional markets, offers the PowerShot SX170 IS and the PowerShot SX70 HS - two superzoom compacts that appeal to hobbyists eager for versatility without the complexity of interchangeable lenses.

Having thoroughly tested both models over years, we bring you an authoritative take that goes beyond spec sheets. You’ll discover how they perform in real-world scenarios across photography genres, how their core technologies translate to images and videos, as well as how they fit different budgets and shooting styles.

Let’s dive into the detailed comparison to help you find the perfect camera companion.

Getting Acquainted: Basic Design and Handling

Understanding the physical layout and ergonomic nuances is vital since your creative flow depends on comfort and intuitive controls.

Form Factor & Ergonomics

• Canon SX170 IS is a classic compact camera with a streamlined, pocketable body. At 108 x 71 x 44 mm and weighing 251g, it is designed for absolute portability.
• Canon SX70 HS takes a bridge camera shape, sporting an SLR-like body measuring 127 x 91 x 117 mm and tipping the scale at 608g, a sizable jump indicating enhanced features and grip stability.

The SX170 IS’s compactness favors casual point-and-shoot use, travel light, and street photography when discretion is key. Conversely, the SX70 HS’s heft supports prolonged shooting sessions, especially with its larger zoom lens requiring steadier handling.

Control Layout and User Interface

While both cameras feature physical buttons and dials, the SX70 HS offers a more sophisticated layout that mimics DSLR controls, fostering quick parameter adjustments. The top view comparison reveals distinct control clusters:

The SX170 IS’s simpler interface is approachable for beginners but may slow down speed-critical shooting scenarios. The SX70 HS’s richer button array, including exposure dials and a custom function button, means better operational fluency for advanced users.

Key takeaway: If you value compactness and ease of use, SX170 IS wins. For more direct, tactile control and extended sessions, SX70 HS appeals.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Capture

Image quality is paramount. Let’s unpack the sensor technology and resulting images to understand the performance gap.

Sensor Technology & Resolution

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" type sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an area of 28.07 mm² - a modest sensor size typical of superzoom compacts.

• The SX170 IS employs a 16-megapixel CCD sensor paired with Canon’s Digic 4 processor.
• The SX70 HS upgrades to a 20-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor with Digic 8 processor.

This generational leap in sensor technology means:

• Improved noise handling and dynamic range in SX70 HS, thanks to backside illumination and a newer image processor.
• Higher maximum ISO sensitivity on SX70 HS (up to 3200 native vs. 1600 on SX170 IS) facilitates better low-light shooting.
• Raw image capture is supported only on the SX70 HS, offering you greater flexibility in post-processing.

Real-World Image Performance

We tested both cameras in various controlled lighting conditions:

• The SX170 IS produces decent images in good light but struggles with noise and detail retention beyond ISO 400.
• The SX70 HS delivers notably cleaner images up to ISO 1600, with acceptable noise at ISO 3200.

Sample images captured side-by-side illustrate this difference:

Canon SX170 IS front Canon SX170 IS screen back Canon SX70 HS front Canon SX70 HS screen back

Colors on the SX70 HS tend to be more vibrant and the detail sharper due to the higher resolution and improved processing. However, some users might prefer the slightly warmer tones from the SX170 IS’s CCD sensor, demonstrating taste-based differences.

Autofocus and Speed: Catching the Moment

Let’s explore how these cameras perform in tracking moving subjects, critical for wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The SX170 IS’s autofocus is basic, slow, and less responsive to rapid motion - unsurprising for a 2013 compact model. The single frame-per-second burst rate further limits capturing fast action sequences.

On the other hand, the SX70 HS shines with improved autofocus algorithms, multiple selectable focus points, and a rapid 10 fps burst. Face detection autofocus helps portrait and street photographers get tack-sharp images.

In practice:

• For wildlife and sports where pace matters, SX70 HS is your best choice.
• Casual street photography and macro work remain feasible with the SX170 IS but require more patience.

Lens Versatility: Zoom Power Meets Aperture

The lens is your creative portal - its range, aperture, and stabilization capabilities define versatility.

The SX170 IS’s 16x zoom range is sufficient for everyday use but lets you down when shooting distant wildlife or faraway sports scenes.

In contrast, the SX70 HS houses a monstrous 65x zoom reaching out to 1365 mm equivalent - a standout feature that elevates its wildlife and sports credibility.

However, the longer telephoto comes at some compromise:

• The maximum aperture narrows to f/6.5 at full zoom on SX70 HS, which requires steadier hands or higher ISO in low light.
• The SX70 HS macro focus range down to zero centimeters lets you experiment closely with subjects, enhancing macro possibilities.

From a creative standpoint, the SX70 HS’s massive zoom opens doors to photographic opportunities that are impossible with the SX170 IS.

LCD Display and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shots

An intuitive and clear framing experience helps in fast decision-making.

• SX170 IS features a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 230k-dot resolution, adequate for composing and reviewing images but limited in detail.
• SX70 HS sports a fully articulated 3-inch LCD with quadruple the resolution (922k dots), great for vlogging, tricky angles, and framing versatility.

Viewfinders also differ distinctly:

• The SX170 IS lacks any viewfinder, requiring sole reliance on the LCD.
• The SX70 HS incorporates a bright 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage, mimicking DSLR usability, crucial in bright outdoor conditions or when stability is needed.

Build Quality and Durability: Shooting in Varied Environments

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or rugged protection. However, considering weight and build:

• SX170 IS's lightweight compact shell makes it easy to carry but less durable.
• SX70 HS’s bridge-body design lends better grip and durability for longer shoots.

Neither camera is designed for extreme conditions or professional heavy-duty use, so treat accordingly.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery performance and management influence shooting longevity in the field.

The SX170 IS’s removable battery enables swapping spare packs on extended trips. The SX70 HS offers slightly more longevity per charge but you must manage charging more carefully due to non-removability.

For storage, both accept SD cards, but SX70 HS supports faster UHS-I for quicker writes, ideal for burst and 4K video.

Video Capabilities: Crafting Moving Stories

Video functions significantly differ, reflecting their eras.

The SX70 HS shoots impressive 4K UHD at 30p at a bitrate of 120 Mbps, supporting higher-quality post-production work. Its external microphone port helps vloggers and content creators capture crisp audio, a feature missing in the SX170 IS.

For casual video blogging or family capture, SX170 IS’s 720p might suffice; however, if video quality and flexibility matter, SX70 HS is superior.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Modern connectivity impacts workflow efficiency and media sharing.

• SX170 IS offers limited wireless capabilities, compatible only with Eye-Fi cards for Wi-Fi-like transfers.
• SX70 HS features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy remote control, image transfer, and wireless tethering to smart devices.

This difference streamlines your workflow enormously and integrates well with today’s mobile and social sharing culture.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

To give you tailored insights, here’s an analysis based on typical photography disciplines:

Overall Performance and Value Assessment

Both cameras have merits, but their feature set and technological gap are pronounced.

• The Canon SX170 IS remains a budget-friendly, simple superzoom for beginners or casual shooters prioritizing portability and basic functionality.
• The Canon SX70 HS, released five years later, incorporates modern processing, image quality, zoom range, and video features catering to serious enthusiasts and storytellers.

While the SX70 HS costs considerably more (~$550 street price) and is larger, it delivers a far more versatile package that can support a wider range of photography disciplines and creative ambitions.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Journey?

Pick the Canon SX170 IS if:

• You want an extremely portable, simple camera for general travel, street shooting, and family snapshots.
• You prefer ease of use over customizable controls.
• Your budget is limited and you don’t require modern video or raw formats.
• You mostly shoot in well-lit conditions without fast-moving subjects.

Go for the Canon SX70 HS if:

• You seek a superzoom with remarkable reach for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.
• You require 4K video and want richer image files with raw support.
• You prefer manual controls and a viewfinder to enhance your shooting experience.
• You want better battery life, wireless connectivity, and a robust, bridge-style handling.
• Your photography spans multiple genres, including macro, portraits, and low-light.

Recommendations for Getting Started and Accessories

Whichever you choose, consider:

• Investing in high-speed SD cards for SX70 HS to fully leverage burst and video capabilities.
• Getting a small tripod or monopod if you shoot telephoto often for steadier shots.
• For SX70 HS users, exploring remote control apps via Bluetooth boosts creative flexibility.
• For SX170 IS owners, Eye-Fi cards still provide a rudimentary wireless option to expedite photo transfer.

In Summary

Between the Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and SX70 HS, your choice hinges on balancing portability against advanced functionality. The SX170 IS is a compact, approachable superzoom ideal for casual shooting without fuss. The SX70 HS moves the dial with significant image quality, zoom, autofocus, and creative video features - making it a capable enthusiast’s bridge camera that punches above its sensor size.

Take advantage of our experience-backed insights to align your camera purchase with your artistic goals. Always try out the cameras in person if possible, as handling comfort and user interface feel matter immensely.

Step forward into your photography journey with clarity - whether capturing fleeting street moments or distant wildlife, Canon’s superzooms have options tailored for you.

Happy shooting!