Canon SX170 IS vs Samsung CL5

Below is a in depth overview of the Canon SX170 IS versus Samsung CL5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Canon and Samsung. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and CL5 (9MP) and the SX170 IS (1/2.3") and CL5 (1/2.5") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SX170 IS was brought out 4 years later than the CL5 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Samsung CL5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the SX170 IS matches up vs the CL5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Samsung CL5. The entire galleries are provided at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Samsung CL5 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon SX170 IS has exterior 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) while the Samsung CL5 has measurements of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7") along with a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX170 IS versus Samsung CL5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the SX170 IS against the CL5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX170 IS and CL5 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to envision the difference in sensor measurements purely by seeing technical specs. The photograph underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX170 IS and CL5.

As you have seen, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SX170 IS due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Canon SX170 IS will produce more detail having its extra 7 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The younger SX170 IS will have an advantage in sensor innovation.