Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon B500

Lets look more in depth at the Canon SX170 IS and Nikon B500, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Canon and Nikon. The sensor resolution of the SX170 IS (16MP) and the B500 (16MP) is pretty close and both cameras posses the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was introduced 3 years prior to the B500 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Nikon B500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SX170 IS scores vs the B500 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS & Nikon Coolpix B500. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX170 IS Gallery & Nikon B500 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX170 IS features exterior dimensions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Nikon B500 has specifications of 114mm x 78mm x 95mm (4.5" x 3.1" x 3.7") and a weight of 541 grams (1.19 lbs).

Check out the Canon SX170 IS and Nikon B500 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the SX170 IS against the B500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX170 IS and B500 is 88 and 68 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizes purely by researching technical specs. The image here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX170 IS and B500.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the identical megapixels and you can expect comparable quality of photos but you need to factor the age of the cameras into account. The more aged SX170 IS will be behind in sensor tech.