• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Pentax W80 advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon 170 IS advantages over Pentax W80

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 140 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Newer
    9 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 170 IS

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax W60

Pentax W80
Pentax W60
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
Canon 170 IS
Pentax W60
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus

Compared to Samsung SL820

Pentax W80
Samsung SL820
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 60p video
Canon 170 IS
Samsung SL820
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out

Compared to Samsung CL65

Pentax W80
Samsung CL65
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Canon 170 IS
Samsung CL65
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Pentax W80
Canon 350 HS
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Canon 170 IS
Canon 350 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compared to Canon 360 HS

Pentax W80
Canon 360 HS
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Canon 170 IS
Canon 360 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Compare Other Cameras?