Canon SX170 IS vs Panasonic FZ40
88 Imaging
40 Features
41 Overall
40


68 Imaging
36 Features
40 Overall
37
Canon SX170 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-448mm (F3.5-5.9) lens
- 251g - 108 x 71 x 44mm
- Launched August 2013
- Superseded the Canon SX160 IS
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-600mm (F2.8-5.2) lens
- 494g - 120 x 80 x 92mm
- Launched July 2010
- Alternative Name is Lumix DMC-FZ45

Canon SX170 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Overview
In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Canon SX170 IS versus Panasonic FZ40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The resolution of the SX170 IS (16MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is pretty similar and they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

The SX170 IS was launched 3 years after the FZ40 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.
Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SX170 IS scores vs the FZ40 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Canon SX170 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SX170 IS over the Panasonic FZ40
SX170 IS | FZ40 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | August 2013 | ![]() | July 2010 | More modern by 38 months |
Reasons to pick Panasonic FZ40 over the Canon SX170 IS
FZ40 | SX170 IS |
---|
Common features in the Canon SX170 IS and Panasonic FZ40
SX170 IS | FZ40 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More exact focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen sizing |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | The same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Missing selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither includes Touch friendly screen |
Canon SX170 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Canon SX170 IS features 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) while the Panasonic FZ40 has sizing of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") and a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).
Examine the Canon SX170 IS versus Panasonic FZ40 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. Here is the front view size comparison of the SX170 IS against the FZ40.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SX170 IS and FZ40 is 88 and 68 respectively.

Canon SX170 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it can be difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes merely by going over a spec sheet. The pic underneath will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX170 IS and FZ40.
Clearly, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Canon SX170 IS to offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern SX170 IS is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.

Canon SX170 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SX170 IS vs Panasonic FZ40 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX170 IS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Canon | Panasonic |
Model | Canon PowerShot SX170 IS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 |
Also referred to as | - | Lumix DMC-FZ45 |
Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Launched | 2013-08-22 | 2010-07-21 |
Body design | Compact | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Digic 4 | Venus Engine HD II |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4320 x 3240 |
Highest native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-448mm (16.0x) | 25-600mm (24.0x) |
Max aperture | f/3.5-5.9 | f/2.8-5.2 |
Macro focus range | 1cm | 1cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of screen | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Screen tech | TFT Color LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Electronic |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 15 secs | 60 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/3200 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 1.0fps | 2.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 3.00 m | 9.50 m |
Flash modes | Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Flash Off | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30, 25 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | AVCHD Lite |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 251 grams (0.55 pounds) | 494 grams (1.09 pounds) |
Dimensions | 108 x 71 x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") | 120 x 80 x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") |
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 photos | - |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | NB-6LH | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 pictures)) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch pricing | $0 | $420 |