• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 35.00mm - 175.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S80 advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.43 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    16 mm vs 22 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    819k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon 170 IS advantages over Nikon S80

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $330 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 175 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 200 vs 150 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    10 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 14.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 35 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • 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

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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 170 IS

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung TL220

Nikon S80
Samsung TL220
  • $172
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Shoots 60p video
  • Wider angle lens
Canon 170 IS
Samsung TL220
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out

Compared to Sony DSC-T99

Nikon S80
Sony DSC-T99
  • $172
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $169
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Canon 170 IS
Sony DSC-T99
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $169
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner

Compared to Sony DSC-TX10

Nikon S80
Sony DSC-TX10
  • $172
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Longer stills battery life
Canon 170 IS
Sony DSC-TX10
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Nikon S80
Canon 350 HS
  • $172
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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 Canon 360 HS

Nikon S80
Canon 360 HS
  • $172
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • More telephoto lens reach
Canon 170 IS
Canon 360 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Compare Other Cameras?