• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 448.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/3.1 inch 16.5mm2
  • 13.2 megapixels
  • 30.00mm - 90.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon SX170 advantages over Nikon S33

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/3.1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.34 vs 1.13 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    448 mm vs 90 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 13.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 11 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/3200 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon S33 advantages over Canon SX170

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    180g vs 251g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.7 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • 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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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon L610

Canon SX170
Nikon L610
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $147
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen

Compare Canon SX170 vs Nikon L610

Nikon S33
Nikon L610
  • $107
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Lighter weight
  • $147
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S33 vs Nikon L610

Compared to Canon SX160

Canon SX170
Canon SX160
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $146
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • HDMI out

Compare Canon SX170 vs Canon SX160

Nikon S33
Canon SX160
  • $107
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Lighter weight
  • $146
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S33 vs Canon SX160

Compared to Nikon S31

Canon SX170
Nikon S31
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $89
  • 1/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Canon SX170 vs Nikon S31

Nikon S33
Nikon S31
  • $107
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $89
  • 1/3 inch
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S33 vs Nikon S31

Compared to Nikon L620

Canon SX170
Nikon L620
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $127
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SX170 vs Nikon L620

Nikon S33
Nikon L620
  • $107
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Lighter weight
  • $127
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S33 vs Nikon L620

Compared to Nikon W100

Canon SX170
Nikon W100
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $157
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon SX170 vs Nikon W100

Nikon S33
Nikon W100
  • $107
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $157
  • 1/3.1 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Nikon S33 vs Nikon W100

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