Canon SX170 IS vs Samsung NX500

Below, we will be matching up the Canon SX170 IS versus Samsung NX500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Canon and Samsung. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the SX170 IS (1/2.3") and NX500 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

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The SX170 IS was introduced 17 months earlier than the NX500 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick overview of how the SX170 IS scores vs the NX500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Samsung NX500. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon SX170 IS comes with exterior measurements of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX500 has measurements of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX170 IS versus Samsung NX500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the SX170 IS and the NX500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX170 IS and NX500 is 88 and 87 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by going over specs. The graphic below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SX170 IS and NX500.

All in all, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SX170 IS with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Samsung NX500 will offer you more detail using its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The older SX170 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.