Canon PowerShot SX120 IS vs Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
      47
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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 SX120 IS 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 SX120 IS was introduced in August 2009 and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS was introduced in August 2013. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS Highlights

      • 10.0 MP 1/2.5-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 0.9 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 640 x 480 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 SX120 IS
      4. Advantage of Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen
      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 SX120 IS and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   Light - 285 g (0.63 lb / 10.05 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   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 SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.0 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2500 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.9 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   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
      •   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 SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

      Canon SX120 IS
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SX120 IS over Canon PowerShot SX170 IS.

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS vs Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
      Lower Native ISO 80 vs 100
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/2.8 vs f/3.5
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/4.3 vs f/5.9
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 0.9 fps vs 0.8 fps

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SX120 IS.

      Canon SX160 IS
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Canon SX150 IS
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Canon SX130 IS
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon R10
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7S III
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Canon R50
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Ricoh GR Digital IV
      Image cannot be found

      1/1.7-inch

      10.0 MP

      Canon R7
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Olympus SZ-30MR
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Panasonic TS5
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.33-inch

      16.1 MP

      Sony a7 III
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.2 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 SX120 IS.

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS vs Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
      Larger Sensor 1/2.5-inch vs 1/2.3-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 10.0 Megapixel vs 16 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 3648 x 2736 vs 4608 x 3456
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Reaches Wider Angle 36 mm vs 28 mm
      Reachs More Telephoto 360 mm vs 448 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 10x vs 16x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/2500 sec vs 1/3200 sec
      Higher Video Resolution 640 x 480 vs 1280 x 720
      Lighter 285 g (0.63 lb / 10.05 oz) vs 251 g (0.55 lb / 8.85 oz)

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

      Canon SX150 IS
      Image cannot be found

      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

      Canon G15
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 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
      Image cannot be found

      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 SX120 IS Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO1,6001,600
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        Light285 g (0.63 lb / 10.05 oz)251 g (0.55 lb / 8.85 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot SX120 IS Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
        Small Sensor1/2.5-inch1/2.3-inch
        Timelapse Recording
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot230k dot
        No Viewfinder
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/2500 sec1/3200 sec
        Low Max Continuous Shooting0.9 fps0.8 fps
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution640 x 4801280 x 720
        No HDMI Output
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi Connection possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS have 3.0" Fixed screens with 230k dot resolution.

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS features a 10.0 megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 5.744 x 4.308 mm and a total area of 24.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 1,600. 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

      Cameras are equipped with DIGIC 4 processor.


      Image Stabilization

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

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

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


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS comes with 2 x AA battery pack and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS comes with NB-6LH battery pack with battery life of 300 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS has a single SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus card slot. Canon PowerShot SX170 IS has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2500 sec on Canon PowerShot SX120 IS, and up to 1/3200 sec on Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. Canon PowerShot SX120 IS can shoot continuously up to 0.9 fps. Canon PowerShot SX170 IS can shoot continuously up to 0.8 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 3.00 m.. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/500 sec on Canon PowerShot SX120 IS.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS body has dimensions of 111 x 71 x 45 mm (4.37 x 2.8 x 1.77") 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 SX120 IS weighs 285 g (0.63 lb / 10.05 oz) and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS weighs 251 g (0.55 lb / 8.85 oz).

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      111 mm

      71 mm

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      108 mm

      71 mm

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      71 mm

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      71 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS 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 SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      POOR
      41
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k 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 SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      55
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.9 fps
      •   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 SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.9 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   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 SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Small Sensor
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   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 SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 285 g (0.63 lb / 10.05 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 SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 285 g (0.63 lb / 10.05 oz)
      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 SX120 IS and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and give them scores of 47 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 SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      OVERALL
      47
      OVERALL
      51

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      BAD
      39
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.0 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2500 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.9 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      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 SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      POOR
      41
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      70
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

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

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      BAD
      36
      •   No 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 SX120 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      POOR
      47
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 285 g (0.63 lb / 10.05 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      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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