• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 110.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Pentax P80 advantages over Canon 170 IS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.6 vs f/3.6
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    0.9 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 Pentax P80

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $200 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More telephoto lens reach
    300 mm vs 110 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 12.1 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
  • Faster shutter
    1/2000 vs 1/1000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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 Pentax P70

Pentax P80
Pentax P70
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster shutter
Canon 170 IS
Pentax P70
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Olympus FE-4000

Pentax P80
Olympus FE-4000
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Manual focus
  • $150
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster shutter
Canon 170 IS
Olympus FE-4000
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $150
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Sony DSC-W330

Pentax P80
Sony DSC-W330
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Longer exposure
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
Canon 170 IS
Sony DSC-W330
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Newer
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Pentax P80
Canon 350 HS
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
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

Pentax P80
Canon 360 HS
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Canon 170 IS
Canon 360 HS
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Compare Other Cameras?