Canon SX170 IS vs Fujifilm X20

In this article, we are reviewing the Canon SX170 IS and Fujifilm X20, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Canon and FujiFilm. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and Fujifilm X20 (12MP) and the SX170 IS (1/2.3") and Fujifilm X20 (2/3") possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The SX170 IS was revealed 4 months after the Fujifilm X20 which means that they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SX170 IS matches up versus the Fujifilm X20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS & Fujifilm X20. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX170 IS Gallery & Fujifilm X20 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX170 IS provides physical dimensions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Fujifilm X20 has specifications of 117mm x 70mm x 57mm (4.6" x 2.8" x 2.2") accompanied by a weight of 353 grams (0.78 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX170 IS and Fujifilm X20 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the SX170 IS compared to the Fujifilm X20.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SX170 IS and Fujifilm X20 is 88 and 83 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizes purely by seeing technical specs. The pic below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX170 IS and Fujifilm X20.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SX170 IS having a smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Canon SX170 IS will show extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively.