• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Samsung GX-20 advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.07 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon 170 IS advantages over Samsung GX-20

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $1400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 70 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    9 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    141g vs 714g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 14.6 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Samsung GX-20

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 170 IS
Canon 170 (Blue)
  • Canon 170 (Blue)
  • Canon 170 (Black)
  • Canon 170 (Silver)
All 170 IS Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K20D

Samsung GX-20
Pentax K20D
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Pentax K20D

Canon 170 IS
Pentax K20D
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon 170 IS vs Pentax K20D

Compared to Canon 50D

Samsung GX-20
Canon 50D
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Canon 50D

Canon 170 IS
Canon 50D
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon 170 IS vs Canon 50D

Compared to Pentax K-7

Samsung GX-20
Pentax K-7
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Pentax K-7

Canon 170 IS
Pentax K-7
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon 170 IS vs Pentax K-7

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Samsung GX-20
Canon 350 HS
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Canon 350 HS

Canon 170 IS
Canon 350 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Canon 170 IS vs Canon 350 HS

Compared to Canon 360 HS

Samsung GX-20
Canon 360 HS
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Canon 360 HS

Canon 170 IS
Canon 360 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Canon 170 IS vs Canon 360 HS

Compare Other Cameras?