• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon AW120 advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 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
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.9 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon 170 IS advantages over Nikon AW120

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 120 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Lighter weight
    141g vs 213g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

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

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon AW120

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 170 IS

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon A1300

Nikon AW120
Canon A1300
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $134
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Canon 170 IS
Canon A1300
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $134
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon A1400

Nikon AW120
Canon A1400
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $297
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Canon 170 IS
Canon A1400
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $297
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Nikon AW120
Canon 350 HS
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Canon 170 IS
Canon 350 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compared to Nikon AW130

Nikon AW120
Nikon AW130
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Slow-motion videos
Canon 170 IS
Nikon AW130
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Lighter weight
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Canon 360 HS

Nikon AW120
Canon 360 HS
  • $219
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
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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