Canon SX170 IS vs Sigma DP2s

Following is a comprehensive comparison of the Canon SX170 IS versus Sigma DP2s, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Canon and Sigma. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and DP2s (5MP) and the SX170 IS (1/2.3") and DP2s (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The SX170 IS was released 3 years after the DP2s which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2s being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the SX170 IS matches up against the DP2s with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS & Sigma DP2s. The complete galleries are provided at Canon SX170 IS Gallery & Sigma DP2s Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Canon SX170 IS comes with physical measurements of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Sigma DP2s has proportions of 113mm x 60mm x 56mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.2") having a weight of 280 grams (0.62 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX170 IS versus Sigma DP2s in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the SX170 IS versus the DP2s.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX170 IS and DP2s is 88 and 86 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes just by seeing specifications. The pic here might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX170 IS and DP2s.

Plainly, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SX170 IS because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Canon SX170 IS will show more detail as a result of its extra 11MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The fresher SX170 IS provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.