Canon SX170 IS vs Panasonic FZ200

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Canon SX170 IS and Panasonic FZ200, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Canon and Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the sensor resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and FZ200 (12MP) but they use the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was released 14 months after the FZ200 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SX170 IS grades against the FZ200 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. The complete galleries are provided at Canon SX170 IS Gallery & Panasonic FZ200 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Canon SX170 IS features exterior measurements 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 Panasonic FZ200 has specifications of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") with a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs).

Check the Canon SX170 IS and Panasonic FZ200 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the SX170 IS versus the FZ200.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX170 IS and FZ200 is 88 and 65 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes simply by checking technical specs. The picture underneath will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SX170 IS and FZ200.

As you can tell, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can count on the Canon SX170 IS to resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more recent SX170 IS is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.