Canon SX170 IS vs Panasonic S2

Let's look much closer at the Canon SX170 IS versus Panasonic S2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SX170 IS (16MP) and the S2 (14MP) is fairly similar and they use the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was introduced 20 months later than the S2 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the SX170 IS matches up against the S2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Canon SX170 IS has got external measurements of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S2 has proportions of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX170 IS versus Panasonic S2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is the front view scale comparison of the SX170 IS compared to the S2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX170 IS and S2 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing merely by reviewing technical specs. The visual below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX170 IS and S2.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Canon SX170 IS to offer greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The younger SX170 IS is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.