• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon 170 IS advantages over Ricoh WG-50

  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 140 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 29 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    141g vs 193g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Ricoh WG-50 advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.1 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • 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

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 170 IS

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Ricoh WG-50

Review Excerpt

The Competition

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
Ricoh WG-50
Nikon S3600
  • $233
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Thinner

Compared to Olympus TG-860

Canon 170 IS
Olympus TG-860
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Ricoh WG-50
Olympus TG-860
  • $233
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas

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
Ricoh WG-50
Canon 350 HS
  • $233
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

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
Ricoh WG-50
Canon 360 HS
  • $233
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compared to Olympus TG-870

Canon 170 IS
Olympus TG-870
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Lighter weight
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Ricoh WG-50
Olympus TG-870
  • $233
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas
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