• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon SD4000 IS advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/3.6
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 250 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.7 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon 170 IS advantages over Canon SD4000 IS

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 105 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Newer
    9 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene

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

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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 Panasonic DMC-FX75

Canon SD4000 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX75
  • $288
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Canon 170 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX75
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX700

Canon SD4000 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX700
  • $288
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $204
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Less shutter lag
Canon 170 IS
Panasonic DMC-FX700
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $204
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Canon ELPH 500 HS

Canon SD4000 IS
Canon ELPH 500 HS
  • $288
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $246
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video
Canon 170 IS
Canon ELPH 500 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $246
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Canon SD4000 IS
Canon 350 HS
  • $288
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $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

Canon SD4000 IS
Canon 360 HS
  • $288
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $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?