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Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS Point & Shoot Camera

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS is a 20MP 1/2.3 inch compact camera — with 720p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS Point & Shoot Camera

Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS Point & Shoot Camera

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Camera OverviewCanon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS is a lightweight, pocket-friendly point-and-shoot camera built around a 20MP, 1/2.3-inch sensor and powered by Canon's DIGIC 4+ image processor. With a maximum photo resolution of 5152x3864 pixels and a ISO range spanning 100 to 1600, it's geared toward casual shooters who want reliable results in well-lit environments without the complexity of a larger camera system. The camera features optical image stabilization (OIS) to help reduce camera shake during handheld shooting, which is especially useful for everyday and travel photography.

Its 9-point contrast detection autofocus system keeps subject acquisition straightforward, while burst shooting at up to 2.2fps allows you to capture a sequence of moments. On the back, a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230,000 dots provides composition and playback feedback. Video recording tops out at 720p at 25fps in 8-bit Standard color, making it suitable for casual clips.

The camera accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards for storage, connects via USB, and runs on a NB-11LH/NB-11L battery rated for approximately 200 shots per charge. Weighing just 141g and measuring 100 x 58 x 23mm in a plastic body, portability is one of its clearest strengths. There is no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, and no weather sealing.

Color profiles for stills include Standard, Vivid, and Monochrome.

Key FeaturesCanon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS

20MP 1/2.3-Inch Sensor: Captures stills at up to 5152x3864 pixels, delivering detailed images for everyday and travel photography.

Optical Image Stabilization: Reduces camera shake during handheld shooting, helping produce sharper images in typical shooting conditions.

DIGIC 4+ Image Processor: Canon's DIGIC 4+ handles image processing and noise reduction across the ISO 100–1600 range.

Compact 141g Body: Weighing just 141g and measuring 100 x 58 x 23mm, the camera fits easily in a pocket for all-day carry.

9-Point Contrast AF: Contrast detection autofocus with 9 points provides straightforward subject acquisition in well-lit scenes.

2.7-Inch Fixed LCD: The rear 230,000-dot display is used for framing shots and reviewing images in the absence of a viewfinder.

Camera SpecificationsCanon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS

Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel
TypePoint and Shoot
Sensor1/2.3 inch
Resolution20MP
ProcessorDIGIC 4+
ISO Range100 – 1600
AF SystemContrast Detection
AF Points9 points
Max Photo Resolution5152x3864
Burst Rate2.2 fps
Max Video Resolution720p
Max Frame Rate25fps

DescriptionCanon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS is a compact point-and-shoot built for everyday convenience. Its 20MP sensor with a 1/2.3-inch format and DIGIC 4+ image processor delivers still images at up to 5152x3864 pixels, with an ISO range of 100–1600 for flexible exposure control in varying light. Optical image stabilization (OIS) helps keep shots sharp during handheld use, supported by digital IS as a secondary layer. The 9-point contrast detection autofocus system handles focusing duties reliably for typical shooting situations, and burst shooting at 2.2fps lets you capture fast-moving subjects in a sequence.

The 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230,000 dots serves as the primary composition and review screen. Video records at up to 720p/25fps in 8-bit Standard color. Storage is handled by SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards, and the camera connects to a computer via USB.

At just 141g and 100 x 58 x 23mm, this plastic-bodied camera slips easily into a pocket. Note that there is no weather sealing, no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and no hot shoe for external flash accessories.

ProsCanon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS

  • High 20MP resolution on a 1/2.3-inch sensor delivers detailed still images at up to 5152x3864 pixels
  • Optical image stabilization (OIS) helps reduce blur from camera shake during handheld shooting
  • Compact and lightweight at just 141g and 100 x 58 x 23mm — easy to carry all day

ConsCanon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS

  • Video tops out at 720p/25fps with only a Standard color profile — not suited for quality video work
  • No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity limits wireless sharing and remote control options
  • Battery rated for approximately 200 shots per charge is relatively modest for a full day of shooting

ReviewsCanon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS

VideosCanon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS

Canon PowerShot ELPH 160, 170 IS, 180 vs. 190 IS | Pocketcamera vs. iPhonethe daniel life

Resources & DownloadsCanon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS

Frequently Asked QuestionsCanon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS

What memory cards are compatible with the Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS?+
The camera supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. This gives you a wide range of storage capacity options to choose from depending on how much you plan to shoot.
Does the ELPH 170 IS have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for wireless sharing?+
No — both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are absent from this camera. File transfer is handled via the USB connection, so you'll need a card reader or cable to move images to a computer or device.
What is the maximum video quality this camera can record?+
The ELPH 170 IS records video at a maximum resolution of 720p at 25fps in 8-bit depth, with a Standard color profile. It is not designed for high-quality video production.
Does this camera have optical image stabilization?+
Yes, the camera includes optical image stabilization (OIS) as well as digital IS, which can help reduce the appearance of camera shake during handheld still shooting.
How long does the battery last on a single charge?+
The NB-11LH/NB-11L battery is rated for approximately 200 shots per charge. For extended outings, carrying a spare battery is advisable.
What ISO range does the ELPH 170 IS support?+
The camera's ISO range runs from 100 to 1600. This is suitable for shooting in good lighting conditions, though very low-light scenarios may be more challenging at the top of the range.

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