Canon SX170 IS vs Pentax X70

Following is a complete assessment of the Canon SX170 IS and Pentax X70, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Canon and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and X70 (12MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was introduced 4 years after the X70 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Pentax X70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the SX170 IS matches up vs the X70 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Pentax X70. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Pentax X70 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX170 IS enjoys external measurements of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Pentax X70 has dimensions of 110mm x 83mm x 90mm (4.3" x 3.3" x 3.5") along with a weight of 410 grams (0.90 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX170 IS and Pentax X70 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is a front view scale comparison of the SX170 IS and the X70.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SX170 IS and X70 is 88 and 71 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes just by going through technical specs. The image below may give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX170 IS and X70.

As you have seen, the two cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You should count on the Canon SX170 IS to produce extra detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more recent SX170 IS should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.