Canon SX170 IS vs Sony HX400V

Lets look much closer at the Canon SX170 IS versus Sony HX400V, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Canon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SX170 IS (16MP) and the HX400V (20MP) is very comparable and both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was launched 5 months before the HX400V which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony HX400V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SX170 IS grades vs the HX400V in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Sony HX400V Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX170 IS comes with external measurements of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Sony HX400V has dimensions of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") and a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Examine the Canon SX170 IS versus Sony HX400V in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the SX170 IS against the HX400V.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX170 IS and HX400V is 88 and 62 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes purely by seeing technical specs. The picture below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SX170 IS and HX400V.

As you can tell, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Sony HX400V to provide greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics more aggressively.