• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 750.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon 170 IS advantages over Nikon S9900

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 39 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    141g vs 289g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Nikon S9900 advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • More telephoto lens reach
    750 mm vs 300 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Higher-res screen
    230k 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
    7.0 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
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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 170 IS

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S9900

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony HX50V

Canon 170 IS
Sony HX50V
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon S9900
Sony HX50V
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus

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 S9900
Nikon S3600
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

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 S9900
Canon 350 HS
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

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 S9900
Canon 360 HS
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Thinner

Compared to Sony HX80

Canon 170 IS
Sony HX80
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon S9900
Sony HX80
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $368
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
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