• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 550.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon S9500 advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    550 mm vs 300 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    614k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.5 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 Nikon S9500

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 30 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    141g vs 205g
    Lighter weight
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 170 IS

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony HX10V

Nikon S9500
Sony HX10V
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More dots on screen
Canon 170 IS
Sony HX10V
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Panasonic ZS30

Nikon S9500
Panasonic ZS30
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Longer stills battery life
Canon 170 IS
Panasonic ZS30
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compared to Panasonic ZS25

Nikon S9500
Panasonic ZS25
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $470
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Canon 170 IS
Panasonic ZS25
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Lighter weight
  • More pixels
  • $470
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Nikon S9500
Canon 350 HS
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Thinner
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

Nikon S9500
Canon 360 HS
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $304
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Thinner
Canon 170 IS
Canon 360 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $304
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
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