• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 765.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSC-W170 advantages over Nikon L830

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    24 mm vs 91 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    169g vs 508g
    Lighter weight
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon L830 advantages over Sony DSC-W170

  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • More telephoto lens reach
    765 mm vs 140 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 680 vs 370 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    11 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    921k 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
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    23 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    4 vs 2 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.7 fps vs 1.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FS20

Sony DSC-W170
Panasonic DMC-FS20
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Nikon L830
Panasonic DMC-FS20
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner

Compared to Canon SD890 IS

Sony DSC-W170
Canon SD890 IS
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Fast startup
  • More telephoto lens reach
Nikon L830
Canon SD890 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic DMC-TS1

Sony DSC-W170
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Fast startup
  • HDMI out
Nikon L830
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Samsung WB2100

Sony DSC-W170
Samsung WB2100
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $450
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon L830
Samsung WB2100
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $450
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Manual focus

Compared to Nikon L840

Sony DSC-W170
Nikon L840
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
Nikon L830
Nikon L840
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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