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Canon PowerShot SX170 IS Point & Shoot Camera

The Canon PowerShot SX170 IS is a 16MP 1/2.3 inch compact camera — with HD (720p) video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon PowerShot SX170 IS Point & Shoot Camera

Canon PowerShot SX170 IS Point & Shoot Camera

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Camera Overview — Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

The Canon PowerShot SX170 IS is a point-and-shoot compact camera built around a 1/2.3-inch sensor with 16MP resolution and powered by Canon's DIGIC 4 processor with iSAPS technology. It features optical image stabilization (OIS) to help keep shots steady, paired with an autofocus system that combines Contrast Detection and Face Detection AF across 9 focus points, with subject tracking also available. The camera offers an ISO range of 100 to 1600, giving users flexibility across a range of lighting conditions.

Shooting is supported by a built-in pop-up flash, and the camera records to SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. The rear 3.0-inch TFT LCD display delivers 230,000 dots of resolution for composing and reviewing shots. Video capture tops out at 25fps with 8-bit color depth.

The SX170 IS has a plastic body measuring 108.0 x 71.0 x 43.9 mm and weighs 251g, making it a compact and lightweight option for everyday carry. It runs on a NB-6L rechargeable Li-ion battery rated for approximately 300 shots per charge under CIPA standard testing. The camera supports color profiles including Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, and Custom Color, offering some creative flexibility for JPEG shooters.

Key Features — Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

16MP 1/2.3-Inch Sensor: Delivers 16 megapixels of resolution for detailed everyday photos from a compact body.

DIGIC 4 with iSAPS: Canon's DIGIC 4 processor with iSAPS technology analyzes scene data to optimize exposure and focus decisions automatically.

Optical Image Stabilization: OIS compensates for camera shake during handheld shooting, helping produce sharper images in lower light or at longer focal lengths.

Face Detection & Subject Tracking AF: 9-point contrast-detect autofocus system includes Face Detection and subject tracking to keep moving subjects in focus.

3.0-Inch LCD Display: Rear TFT LCD at 230,000 dots provides a large screen for composing shots and reviewing images in the field.

ISO 100–1600 Range: Covers a moderate sensitivity range suitable for daylight through indoor shooting conditions.

Camera Specifications — Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

Canon PowerShot SX170 IS full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel
TypePoint and Shoot
Sensor1/2.3 inch
Resolution16MP
ProcessorDIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology
ISO Range100 – 1600
AF SystemContrast Detection, Face Detection AF
AF Points9 points
Max Photo Resolution4608x3456
Burst Rate0.8 fps
Max Video ResolutionHD (720p)
Max Frame Rate25fps

Description — Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

The Canon PowerShot SX170 IS is a point-and-shoot compact camera featuring a 16MP, 1/2.3-inch sensor and Canon's DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology image processor. It employs Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to help minimize camera shake during handheld photography. Autofocus is handled via Contrast Detection and Face Detection AF with 9 focus points and subject tracking enabled.

The camera's ISO 100–1600 range supports shooting across a variety of lighting situations, and the built-in pop-up flash provides additional light when needed. The 3.0-inch TFT LCD display offers 230,000 dots of resolution for live view and image playback. Storage is handled via SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, and the camera connects via USB.

The plastic body measures 108.0 x 71.0 x 43.9 mm and weighs 251g. The NB-6L rechargeable Li-ion battery is rated for approximately 300 shots per charge (CIPA standard). Video records at 25fps in 8-bit color, and the camera supports six photo color profiles including Custom Color.

Pros — Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

  • ✓Optical image stabilization (OIS) helps reduce camera shake for sharper handheld shots
  • ✓16MP resolution on a 1/2.3-inch sensor processed by DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology
  • ✓Autofocus includes subject tracking and Face Detection AF across 9 focus points

Cons — Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

  • ✗Display resolution of 230,000 dots is relatively low for accurate image review
  • ✗Maximum video frame rate is 25fps with no higher frame rate options listed in specs
  • ✗No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for wireless image transfer

Videos — Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

Canon Powershot SX170 IS Review cheap decent value camera — WalrusFilmTech

Resources & Downloads — Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Canon PowerShot SX170 IS

What type of image stabilization does the Canon PowerShot SX170 IS use?+
The SX170 IS uses Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The in-body IS and digital IS options are not active on this camera — only the optical system is in use.
What memory cards are compatible with the SX170 IS?+
The camera accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. This gives buyers a wide range of card capacity options to choose from.
Does the camera have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for wireless sharing?+
No — the SX170 IS does not include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. Image transfer requires a physical USB connection or removing the memory card.
What autofocus modes are available on the SX170 IS?+
The camera uses a Contrast Detection autofocus system with 9 focus points and also includes Face Detection AF and subject tracking for added versatility when photographing people or moving subjects.
What is the ISO range on the SX170 IS?+
The camera offers an ISO range from 100 to 1600, covering standard daylight through moderate low-light shooting scenarios.
What color profiles can I apply in-camera?+
For photos, the SX170 IS supports Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, and Custom Color profiles. Video color profiles include Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, and Black & White.

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