• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 450.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon S9100 advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • More telephoto lens reach
    450 mm vs 300 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 270 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
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.5 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
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon 170 IS advantages over Nikon S9100

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $330 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 34 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    141g vs 212g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 12.1 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
  • 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

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S9100

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 170 IS
Canon 170 (Blue)
  • Canon 170 (Blue)
  • Canon 170 (Black)
  • Canon 170 (Silver)
All 170 IS Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Backside-illuminated sensor for good low-light performance; Very long zoom; Good printed performance; Very fast autofocus.

  • Autofocus is not always reliable; Auto white balance renders skin tones a little red; Slow digital zoom.

  • Read our Nikon S9100 Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Pentax RZ18

Nikon S9100
Pentax RZ18
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon S9100 vs Pentax RZ18

Canon 170 IS
Pentax RZ18
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon 170 IS vs Pentax RZ18

Compared to Panasonic ZS15

Nikon S9100
Panasonic ZS15
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure

Compare Nikon S9100 vs Panasonic ZS15

Canon 170 IS
Panasonic ZS15
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $273
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon 170 IS vs Panasonic ZS15

Compared to Canon SX280 HS

Nikon S9100
Canon SX280 HS
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon S9100 vs Canon SX280 HS

Canon 170 IS
Canon SX280 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon 170 IS vs Canon SX280 HS

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Nikon S9100
Canon 350 HS
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon S9100 vs 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

Compare Canon 170 IS vs Canon 350 HS

Compared to Canon 360 HS

Nikon S9100
Canon 360 HS
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Manual focus

Compare Nikon S9100 vs Canon 360 HS

Canon 170 IS
Canon 360 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Canon 170 IS vs Canon 360 HS

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