• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 110.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax RS1500 advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.44 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon 170 IS advantages over Pentax RS1500

  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 110 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Newer
    10 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 14.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • 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
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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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Buy the Canon 170 IS

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax RS1000

Pentax RS1500
Pentax RS1000
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
Canon 170 IS
Pentax RS1000
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compared to Panasonic DMC-S3

Pentax RS1500
Panasonic DMC-S3
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
Canon 170 IS
Panasonic DMC-S3
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Newer
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon S4100

Pentax RS1500
Nikon S4100
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More dots on screen
Canon 170 IS
Nikon S4100
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Pentax RS1500
Canon 350 HS
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Canon 170 IS
Canon 350 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compared to Canon 360 HS

Pentax RS1500
Canon 360 HS
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $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
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