Canon SX170 IS vs Sony W530

Below is a extended overview of the Canon SX170 IS vs Sony W530, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Canon and Sony. The image resolution of the SX170 IS (16MP) and the W530 (14MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras offer the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was introduced 2 years later than the W530 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX170 IS being a Compact camera and the Sony W530 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short highlight of how the SX170 IS scores versus the W530 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W530. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX170 IS Gallery & Sony W530 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Canon SX170 IS comes with external dimensions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Sony W530 has measurements of 93mm x 53mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") along with a weight of 113 grams (0.25 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX170 IS vs Sony W530 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the SX170 IS against the W530.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SX170 IS and W530 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualise the difference in sensor measurements merely by going through technical specs. The graphic here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX170 IS and W530.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Canon SX170 IS to provide more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more recent SX170 IS will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.