Nikon D4 vs Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
      70
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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 Nikon D4 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.

      Nikon D4 was introduced in January 2012 and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS was introduced in August 2013. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D4 Highlights

      • 16.2 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      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 Nikon D4
      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 Nikon D4 and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS.

      PROS

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 89
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Illuminated Buttons
      •   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

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      •   Expensive
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      •   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

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"

      Advantage of Nikon D4

      Nikon D4
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D4 over Canon PowerShot SX170 IS.

      Nikon D4 vs Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs 1/2.3-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixel vs 16 Megapixel
      RAW Support vs
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Cross-type Focus Points 15 vs 0
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 230k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 15 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/3200 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 11.0 fps vs 0.8 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
      HDMI Output Type C vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 2600 shots vs 300 shots
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D4.

      Nikon D2H
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D4s
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D3
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D1
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      2.66 MP

      Nikon D1X
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D2X
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D5
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D3S
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D3X
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      Full Frame

      24.5 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 Nikon D4.

      Nikon D4 vs Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
      Cheaper US: $5999.95, UK: £4799.99 vs $179.99
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 1,600
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3280 vs 4608 x 3456
      Face Detection vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization vs
      Built-in Flash vs
      Lighter 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 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

      Canon G15
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 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 Nikon D4 Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
        Video Capture
        Live View Autofocus
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D4 Canon PowerShot SX170 IS
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801280 x 720
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional WT-5 or WT-5A transmitters Eye-Fi Connection possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D4 has a 3.2" screen with 921k dot resolution and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS has a 3.0" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Nikon D4

      Nikon D4 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.70x magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Canon PowerShot SX170 IS.

      Sensor

      Nikon D4 features a 16.2 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36.0 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 860.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 50 - 204,800 in boosted mode. 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

      Nikon D4 is equipped with EXPEED 3 processor and can take pictures up to 4928 x 3280 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4096 x 2720, 4096 x 3280, 3696 x 2456, 3200 x 2128, 3072 x 2456, 3072 x 2040, 2464 x 1640, 2400 x 1592, 2048 x 1360, 2048 x 1640, 1600 x 1064 with 5:4, 3:2 aspect ratios. Canon PowerShot SX170 IS is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 4608 x 3456 resolution.

      Image Stabilization on Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS has an 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

      Nikon D4 comes with EN-EL18 battery pack with battery life of 2600 shots and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS comes with NB-6LH battery pack with battery life of 300 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D4 has Dual CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA) or XQD card slots. Canon PowerShot SX170 IS has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D4 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D4, and up to 1/3200 sec on Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. Nikon D4 can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps. Canon PowerShot SX170 IS can shoot continuously up to 0.8 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D4 has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS has . Nikon D4 has detection range from -2 to +19 EV.


      Flash

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS has a built-in flash with maximum range of 3.00 m. Nikon D4 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal or Wireless connection. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D4.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D4 body has dimensions of 160 x 157 x 91 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.58") and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS body has dimensions of 108 x 71 x 44 mm (4.25 x 2.8 x 1.73"). Nikon D4 weighs 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz) and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS weighs 251 g (0.55 lb / 8.85 oz).

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      160 mm

      157 mm

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      108 mm

      71 mm

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      157 mm

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      71 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D4 and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      Nikon D4 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

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      48
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      71
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   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

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      71
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   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

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 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

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      73
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 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

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 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 Nikon D4 and Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and give them scores of 70 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.


      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      OVERALL
      70
      OVERALL
      51

      Sensor

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 89
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 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

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      78
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      70
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      POOR
      52
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      79
      •   HDMI 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

      Nikon D4

      Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

      GOOD
      81
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 2600 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      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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