• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon S110 advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.90 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/3.6
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    154k vs 78k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon 170 IS advantages over Canon S110

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Lighter weight
    141g vs 198g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon S110

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 170 IS

Review Excerpt

  • Bright lens; Good image quality; Compact body; Feature-set caters to experienced photographers; Works hand-in-hand with your smartphone.

  • Sub-par battery life; Performance is still spotty; Lens defects at wide angle; Geotagging is reliant on smartphone; No remote shooting support.

The Competition

Compared to Canon S100

Canon S110
Canon S100
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Built-in GPS
Canon 170 IS
Canon S100
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic LF1

Canon S110
Panasonic LF1
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $248
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
Canon 170 IS
Panasonic LF1
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $248
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Leica C

Canon S110
Leica C
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $699
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
Canon 170 IS
Leica C
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $699
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Canon S110
Canon 350 HS
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
  • More telephoto lens reach
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

Canon S110
Canon 360 HS
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $351
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
  • More telephoto lens reach
Canon 170 IS
Canon 360 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $351
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
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