Canon SX170 IS vs Sony HX99

In this write-up, we are comparing the Canon SX170 IS vs Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Canon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SX170 IS (16MP) and the HX99 (18MP) is fairly well matched but the SX170 IS (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) feature different sensor sizes.

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The SX170 IS was brought out 6 years prior to the HX99 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SX170 IS grades against the HX99 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The entire galleries are provided at Canon SX170 IS Gallery & Sony HX99 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX170 IS comes with external dimensions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Sony HX99 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX170 IS vs Sony HX99 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the SX170 IS compared to the HX99.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SX170 IS and HX99 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements purely by reading through specs. The photograph here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SX170 IS and HX99.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SX170 IS featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony HX99 will give extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images a little more aggressively. The older SX170 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.