Canon SX170 IS vs Leica V-Lux 3

Lets take a closer look at the Canon SX170 IS and Leica V-Lux 3, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Canon and Leica. There exists a large gap among the sensor resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and V-Lux 3 (12MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was released 21 months after the V-Lux 3 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Leica V-Lux 3 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going into a complete comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the SX170 IS grades versus the V-Lux 3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS & Leica V-Lux 3. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX170 IS Gallery & Leica V-Lux 3 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Canon SX170 IS features external dimensions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Leica V-Lux 3 has sizing of 124mm x 81mm x 95mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.7") with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX170 IS and Leica V-Lux 3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the SX170 IS and the V-Lux 3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX170 IS and V-Lux 3 is 88 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizes purely by researching specs. The image underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX170 IS and V-Lux 3.

All in all, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Canon SX170 IS to render greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent SX170 IS is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.