Canon SX170 IS vs Canon SX740 HS

Here, we are matching up the Canon SX170 IS and Canon SX740 HS, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and both are manufactured by Canon. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and SX740 HS (21MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was launched 6 years earlier than the SX740 HS which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SX170 IS grades vs the SX740 HS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Canon PowerShot SX740 HS. The complete galleries are provided at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Canon SX740 HS Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon SX170 IS has physical measurements of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Canon SX740 HS has proportions of 110mm x 64mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.6") with a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

See the Canon SX170 IS and Canon SX740 HS in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the SX170 IS vs the SX740 HS.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SX170 IS and SX740 HS is 88 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes just by checking out specifications. The image below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX170 IS and SX740 HS.

Plainly, the two cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Canon SX740 HS to provide more detail utilizing its extra 5MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged SX170 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.