• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 336.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon 530 HS advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    154k vs 78k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    2.9 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon 170 IS advantages over Canon 530 HS

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene

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
  • 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 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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 530 HS

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 170 IS

Review Excerpt

  • Slim and stylish camera body designed with Canon's classic "box-and-circle" look; highly portable, versatile 12x lens; gorgeous 3.2-inch screen.

  • Built-in WiFi could be easier to use; not everyone will like the touchscreen; average image quality and below average battery life.

The Competition

Compared to Canon SD4500 IS

Canon 530 HS
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
Canon 170 IS
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon 510 HS

Canon 530 HS
Canon 510 HS
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Canon 170 IS
Canon 510 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $318
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon 520 HS

Canon 530 HS
Canon 520 HS
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
Canon 170 IS
Canon 520 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $441
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Canon 530 HS
Canon 350 HS
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More pixels
Canon 170 IS
Canon 350 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compared to Canon 360 HS

Canon 530 HS
Canon 360 HS
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Newer
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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