• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.5 megapixels
  • 7.30mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon 170 IS advantages over Ricoh Theta SC

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 7 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 14.5 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Ricoh Theta SC advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/3.6
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 260 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    102g vs 141g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Wider angle lens
    7 mm vs 25 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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
  • 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

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 170 IS

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Ricoh Theta SC

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S3600

Canon 170 IS
Nikon S3600
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Higher extended ISO
Ricoh Theta SC
Nikon S3600
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive

Compared to Canon 340 HS

Canon 170 IS
Canon 340 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Manual focus
Ricoh Theta SC
Canon 340 HS
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive

Compared to Sony WX350

Canon 170 IS
Sony WX350
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • $288
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
Ricoh Theta SC
Sony WX350
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $288
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Canon 170 IS
Canon 350 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Ricoh Theta SC
Canon 350 HS
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon 360 HS

Canon 170 IS
Canon 360 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Ricoh Theta SC
Canon 360 HS
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Rear display
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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