Canon SX170 IS vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

On this page, we are matching up the Canon SX170 IS versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Canon and Olympus. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the SX170 IS (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The SX170 IS was revealed 9 months after the XZ-2 iHS so they are of a similar generation. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SX170 IS grades against the XZ-2 iHS in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon SX170 IS has external dimensions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

See the Canon SX170 IS versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the SX170 IS vs the XZ-2 iHS.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX170 IS and XZ-2 iHS is 88 and 85 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes merely by researching specs. The picture here might offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX170 IS and XZ-2 iHS.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SX170 IS having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Canon SX170 IS will result in more detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The fresher SX170 IS is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.