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

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Differences

Canon 170 IS advantages over Nikon 80

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $280 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 25 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 11.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 1 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Nikon 80 advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.55 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/3.6
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    15 mm vs 22 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    74g vs 141g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/6400 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds

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
  • 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 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 170 IS

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung ST66

Canon 170 IS
Samsung ST66
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture
Nikon 80
Samsung ST66
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon S3600

Canon 170 IS
Nikon S3600
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Higher extended ISO
Nikon 80
Nikon S3600
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Canon 170 IS
Canon 350 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Nikon 80
Canon 350 HS
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Bigger pixels
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon 360 HS

Canon 170 IS
Canon 360 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Nikon 80
Canon 360 HS
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Bigger pixels
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compared to Olympus TG-Tracker

Canon 170 IS
Olympus TG-Tracker
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon 80
Olympus TG-Tracker
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Tiltable Screen
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