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Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon S9500

Portability
88
Imaging
39
Features
41
Overall
39
Canon PowerShot SX170 IS front
 
Nikon Coolpix S9500 front
Portability
92
Imaging
42
Features
37
Overall
40

Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon S9500 Key Specs

Canon SX170 IS
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-448mm (F3.5-5.9) lens
  • 251g - 108 x 71 x 44mm
  • Revealed August 2013
  • Previous Model is Canon SX160 IS
Nikon S9500
(Full Review)
  • 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 125 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-550mm (F) lens
  • 205g - 110 x 60 x 31mm
  • Announced January 2013
  • Replaced the Nikon S9300
  • Successor is Nikon S9700
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Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon S9500 Overview

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Canon SX170 IS versus Nikon S9500, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Nikon. The resolution of the SX170 IS (16MP) and the S9500 (18MP) is fairly well matched and they use the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was introduced 7 months later than the S9500 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the SX170 IS matches up against the S9500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

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Reasons to pick Canon SX170 IS over the Nikon S9500

 SX170 IS S9500 
AnnouncedAugust 2013January 2013More recent by 7 months
Manual focus More accurate focus

Reasons to pick Nikon S9500 over the Canon SX170 IS

 S9500 SX170 IS 
Display resolution614k230kSharper display (+384k dot)

Common features in the Canon SX170 IS and Nikon S9500

 SX170 IS S9500 
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display sizing3"3"Equivalent display measurement
Selfie screen Lacking selfie screen
Touch friendly display Neither offers Touch friendly display

Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon S9500 Physical Comparison

When you are looking to lug around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon SX170 IS offers 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) while the Nikon S9500 has proportions of 110mm x 60mm x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check the Canon SX170 IS versus Nikon S9500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SX170 IS vs the S9500.

Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon S9500 size comparison

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX170 IS and S9500 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon S9500 top view buttons comparison

Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon S9500 Sensor Comparison

Typically, it can be hard to visualize the gap between sensor measurements just by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SX170 IS and S9500.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You should anticipate the Nikon S9500 to resolve greater detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images a little more aggressively. The more modern SX170 IS provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.

Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon S9500 sensor size comparison

Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon S9500 Screen and ViewFinder

Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon S9500 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Photography Glossary

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Canon SX170 IS Portrait photography information
Nikon S9500 Portrait photography information
43
has manual focus
MP count decent (16MP)
has face detect focusing
can't use external flash
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
31
good resolution (18MP)
manual focus not available
no manual control
no external flash support
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
no RAW support
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Street Comparison

Canon SX170 IS Street photography features
Nikon S9500 Street photography features
60
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competitors in class (251 grams)
screen is fixed
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
62
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than average in class (205g)
screen is fixed
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
no RAW support
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Sports Comparison

Canon SX170 IS Sports photography information
Nikon S9500 Sports photography information
48
great zoom range (28-448mm 16.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
has tracking focus
painfully slow continuous shooting (1.0 fps)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect AF
42
long zoom range (25-550mm 22.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (18 megapixels)
lack of shutter priority mode
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
terrible battery pack (230 shots)
no phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Canon SX170 IS Travel photography features
Nikon S9500 Travel photography features
68
lighter than competitors in class (251 grams)
MP count decent (16MP)
built-in flash
really wide (28mm)
great zoom (448mm)
no Time Lapse recording
doesn't posses selfie friendly screen
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.5)
71
lighter than average in class (205g)
good resolution (18MP)
built-in flash
decently wide (25mm)
very long zoom (550mm)
very good maximum aperture (f)
missing Time Lapse function
terrible battery pack (230 CIPA)
display isn't selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Canon SX170 IS
Landscape photography with Nikon S9500
49
has manual focus
really wide (28mm)
screen size is decent (3")
has image stabilization (Optical)
MP count decent (16MP)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.5)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
no Time Lapse recording
46
decently wide (25mm)
very good maximum aperture (f)
screen is a good size (3 inch)
image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (18 megapixels)
manual focus not available
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
no manual control
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
no RAW support
terrible battery pack (230 shots)
missing Time Lapse function
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Canon SX170 IS
Vlogging with Nikon S9500
31
really wide (28mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
has face detect focusing
lighter than competitors in class (251g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.5)
doesn't posses selfie friendly screen
low video resolution (1280 x 720 resolution)
no mic support
36
decently wide (25mm)
very good maximum aperture (f)
image stabilization (Optical)
high res video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than average in class (205g)
display isn't selfie friendly
missing mic port
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Canon SX170 IS vs Nikon S9500 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon SX170 IS and Nikon S9500
 Canon PowerShot SX170 ISNikon Coolpix S9500
General Information
Brand Canon Nikon
Model Canon PowerShot SX170 IS Nikon Coolpix S9500
Type Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Superzoom
Revealed 2013-08-22 2013-01-29
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Processor Chip Digic 4 -
Sensor type CCD BSI-CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.16 x 4.62mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 28.5mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 18 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 -
Highest Possible resolution 4608 x 3456 4896 x 3672
Maximum native ISO 1600 1600
Minimum native ISO 100 125
RAW files
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Number of focus points - 99
Cross focus points - -
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 28-448mm (16.0x) 25-550mm (22.0x)
Maximal aperture f/3.5-5.9 -
Macro focus distance 1cm -
Crop factor 5.8 5.8
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 3 inch 3 inch
Display resolution 230k dot 614k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Display technology TFT Color LCD OLED monitor
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Min shutter speed 15 secs 4 secs
Max shutter speed 1/3200 secs 1/1500 secs
Continuous shutter speed 1.0 frames per second 7.5 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes -
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range 3.00 m -
Flash options Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Flash Off -
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30, 25 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 1920 x 1080
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video file format MPEG-4, H.264 -
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None BuiltIn
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 251 grams (0.55 lb) 205 grams (0.45 lb)
Dimensions 108 x 71 x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") 110 x 60 x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 300 images 230 images
Battery form Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model NB-6LH EN-EL12
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) -
Time lapse feature
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots One One
Price at release $0 $230