Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon P7800

Here, we will be looking at the Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon P7800, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Canon and Nikon. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and P7800 (12MP) and the SX170 IS (1/2.3") and P7800 (1/1.7") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SX170 IS was revealed 3 months before the P7800 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a brief view of how the SX170 IS matches up against the P7800 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Nikon Coolpix P7800. The full galleries are available at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Nikon P7800 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Canon SX170 IS comes with exterior dimensions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Nikon P7800 has specifications of 119mm x 78mm x 50mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 2.0") and a weight of 399 grams (0.88 lbs).

Check the Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon P7800 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the SX170 IS versus the P7800.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SX170 IS and P7800 is 88 and 82 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to envision the contrast in sensor measurements purely by researching specs. The graphic underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX170 IS and P7800.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SX170 IS with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Canon SX170 IS will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively.