Canon SX170 IS vs Canon SX720 HS

Below is a in depth comparison of the Canon SX170 IS and Canon SX720 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and both are built by Canon. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and SX720 HS (20.3MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was introduced 3 years prior to the SX720 HS and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the SX170 IS scores against the SX720 HS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Canon PowerShot SX720 HS. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Canon SX720 HS Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Canon SX170 IS has 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) and the Canon SX720 HS has specifications of 110mm x 64mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Canon SX170 IS and Canon SX720 HS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the SX170 IS vs the SX720 HS.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SX170 IS and SX720 HS is 88 and 89 respectively.

Often, it's hard to envision the difference in sensor measurements only by seeing specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX170 IS and SX720 HS.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Canon SX720 HS to provide extra detail using its extra 4.3 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older SX170 IS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.