Canon SX170 IS vs Sony A3000

Lets look more in depth at the Canon SX170 IS vs Sony A3000, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Canon and Sony. The image resolution of the SX170 IS (16MP) and the A3000 (20MP) is relatively comparable but the SX170 IS (1/2.3") and A3000 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SX170 IS was unveiled around the same time to the A3000 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony A3000 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the SX170 IS grades versus the A3000 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Sony Alpha A3000. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Sony A3000 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Canon SX170 IS offers outside dimensions 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 Sony A3000 has specifications of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") and a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX170 IS vs Sony A3000 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the SX170 IS and the A3000.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX170 IS and A3000 is 88 and 69 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to envision the contrast in sensor measurements just by checking out technical specs. The graphic below might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX170 IS and A3000.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SX170 IS with its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Sony A3000 will produce more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively.