Canon SX170 IS vs Olympus XZ-10

Lets take a more detailed look at the Canon SX170 IS vs Olympus XZ-10, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Canon and Olympus. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and XZ-10 (12MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was revealed 7 months later than the XZ-10 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short summation of how the SX170 IS scores versus the XZ-10 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Olympus Stylus XZ-10. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Olympus XZ-10 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Canon SX170 IS has got 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 Olympus XZ-10 has proportions of 102mm x 61mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX170 IS vs Olympus XZ-10 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the SX170 IS vs the XZ-10.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SX170 IS and XZ-10 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading through technical specs. The graphic underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX170 IS and XZ-10.

As you can tell, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You should anticipate the Canon SX170 IS to resolve extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The more modern SX170 IS provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.