Canon PowerShot G15 vs Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
      61
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      51
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot G15 and the Canon PowerShot SX170 IS, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon PowerShot G15 was introduced in September 2012 and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS was introduced in August 2013. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot G15 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/1.7-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 80 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 922k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder
      • 2.1 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS Highlights

      • 16 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 0.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Canon PowerShot G15
      4. Advantage of Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot G15 and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 352 g (0.78 lb / 12.42 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 251 g (0.55 lb / 8.85 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.1 fps
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 46
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon G15
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot G15 over Canon PowerShot SX170 IS.

      Canon PowerShot G15 vs Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
      Larger Sensor 1/1.7-inch vs 1/2.3-inch
      Lower Native ISO 80 vs 100
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 1,600
      More Powerful Processor DIGIC 5 vs DIGIC 4
      RAW Support vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/1.8 vs f/3.5
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/2.8 vs f/5.9
      Higher Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 230k dot
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/3200 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 2.1 fps vs 0.8 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
      HDMI Output Mini vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
      Longer Battery Life 350 shots vs 300 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot G15.

      Canon G7 X
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      1-inch

      20.2 MP

      Canon G16
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon G7 X MII
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G7 X MIII
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G9 X
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      1-inch

      20.2 MP

      Canon G5 X
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      20.2 MP

      Canon G12
      Image cannot be found

      1/1.7-inch

      10 MP

      Canon G3 X
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G11
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      1/1.7-inch

      10 MP

      Canon G9 X II
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G5 X MII
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G1 X II
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      1.5-inch

      12.8 MP

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      Canon SX170 IS
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SX170 IS over Canon PowerShot G15.

      Canon PowerShot G15 vs Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 16 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 vs 4608 x 3456
      Center Autofocus vs
      Reachs More Telephoto 140 mm vs 448 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 5x vs 16x
      Lighter 352 g (0.78 lb / 12.42 oz) vs 251 g (0.55 lb / 8.85 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SX170 IS.

      Canon SX120 IS
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      1/2.5-inch

      10.0 MP

      Canon SX150 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Canon SX160 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Canon SX130 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Canon R100
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      APS-C

      24.1 MP

      Sony a7S III
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Sony a6100
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon R8
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon PowerShot G15 Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO12,8001,600
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        Light352 g (0.78 lb / 12.42 oz)251 g (0.55 lb / 8.85 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot G15 Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
        Small Sensor1/1.7-inch1/2.3-inch
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Cross-type Focus Points00
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Max Continuous Shooting2.1 fps0.8 fps
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801280 x 720
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi Connection possible Eye-Fi Connection possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life350 shots300 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot G15 and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS have 3.0" Fixed screens with 922k dot and 230k dot resolutions respectively.


      Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder on Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot G15 has a built-in Optical (tunnel) viewfinder. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Canon PowerShot SX170 IS.

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot G15 features a 12.1 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and a total area of 41.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 12,800. Canon PowerShot SX170 IS features a 16 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 1,600.

      Photography Features

      Canon PowerShot G15 is equipped with DIGIC 5 processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 3000, 4000 x 2248, 4000 x 2664, 2992 x 2992, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2112 x 2112, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1600 x 1064, 1200 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360, 480 x 480 with 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Canon PowerShot SX170 IS is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 4608 x 3456 resolution.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot G15 comes with NB-10L battery pack with battery life of 350 shots and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS comes with NB-6LH battery pack with battery life of 300 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Canon PowerShot G15, and up to 1/3200 sec on Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. Canon PowerShot G15 can shoot continuously up to 2.1 fps. Canon PowerShot SX170 IS can shoot continuously up to 0.8 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 7.00 m on Canon PowerShot G15 and 3.00 m on Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. Canon PowerShot G15 also accepts external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot G15.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot G15 body has dimensions of 107 x 76 x 40 mm (4.21 x 2.99 x 1.57") and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS body has dimensions of 108 x 71 x 44 mm (4.25 x 2.8 x 1.73"). Canon PowerShot G15 weighs 352 g (0.78 lb / 12.42 oz) and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS weighs 251 g (0.55 lb / 8.85 oz).

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      107 mm

      76 mm

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      108 mm

      71 mm

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      76 mm

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      71 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot G15 and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      Canon PowerShot G15 and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      48
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.1 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.1 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   Small Sensor
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 352 g (0.78 lb / 12.42 oz)
      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 251 g (0.55 lb / 8.85 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      84
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 352 g (0.78 lb / 12.42 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 251 g (0.55 lb / 8.85 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon PowerShot G15 and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and give them scores of 61 and 51 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      OVERALL
      61
      OVERALL
      51

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 46
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      73
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.1 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      70
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      POOR
      52
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      BAD
      36
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon PowerShot G15

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 352 g (0.78 lb / 12.42 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots
      POOR
      45
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 251 g (0.55 lb / 8.85 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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