Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon A1000

Below is a detailed analysis of the Canon SX170 IS and Nikon A1000, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Canon and Nikon. The image resolution of the SX170 IS (16MP) and the A1000 (16MP) is pretty similar and they use the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was announced 6 years prior to the A1000 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SX170 IS grades vs the A1000 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS & Nikon Coolpix A1000. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SX170 IS Gallery & Nikon A1000 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX170 IS comes with external measurements of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Nikon A1000 has measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 41mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.6") along with a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check out the Canon SX170 IS and Nikon A1000 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the SX170 IS vs the A1000.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX170 IS and A1000 is 88 and 86 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements simply by going over a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SX170 IS and A1000.

As you can see, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements and the identical megapixels therefore you can expect similar quality of photographs but you would want to take the age of the products into consideration. The older SX170 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.