Canon SX170 IS vs Olympus VH-515

Below is a comprehensive overview of the Canon SX170 IS versus Olympus VH-515, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Canon and Olympus. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and VH-515 (12MP) but they come with the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was released 13 months later than the VH-515 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the SX170 IS grades against the VH-515 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Olympus VH-515. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Olympus VH-515 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX170 IS provides external dimensions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Olympus VH-515 has dimensions of 102mm x 60mm x 21mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 0.8") and a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX170 IS versus Olympus VH-515 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the SX170 IS versus the VH-515.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SX170 IS and VH-515 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements merely by checking specifications. The visual here may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SX170 IS and VH-515.

Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Canon SX170 IS to give greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The newer SX170 IS provides an edge in sensor innovation.