Canon SX170 IS vs Sony a5100

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Canon SX170 IS and Sony a5100, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Sony. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the SX170 IS (1/2.3") and a5100 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SX170 IS was released 12 months before the a5100 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SX170 IS grades against the a5100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Sony Alpha a5100. The complete galleries are provided at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon SX170 IS provides physical measurements of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Sony a5100 has proportions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") having a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX170 IS and Sony a5100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the SX170 IS versus the a5100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX170 IS and a5100 is 88 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to envision the gap in sensor measurements only by looking through a spec sheet. The visual underneath will give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SX170 IS and a5100.

Clearly, the two cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SX170 IS featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Sony a5100 will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images much more aggressively. The older SX170 IS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.