The latest addition to the Canon’s PowerShot SX line of compact digital camera is the SX170 IS. The most significant difference between the SX170 IS and its predecessors seem to be in its prices. The price tag of SX170 IS is US$ 180 which is almost $50 less than the price tag of SX160 IS when it was released a year ago. Moreover, the AA batteries have been replaced by rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries.
The body of the SX170 has also been upgraded but its body still resembles its predecessor. It is a bit smaller than the SX170 IS. It is 0.06 inches shorter, 0.12 inches narrower and 0.01 inches thinner. The handgrip is quite ergonomic and the photographer can hold it with grip and ease.
Photography features of the SX170 IS
In the imaging technology, there is hardly any difference between the SX160 IS and the SX170 IS. It has got the same 16MP 1/2.3 inch CCD sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor. It can zoom up to 16x and can record videos HD videos at 25fps. The CMOS sensor is absent. In order to produce smooth and sharper images, Canon has deployed its High-Speed AF and Intelligent IS system in the SX170 with six stabilization modes. Canon also claims that its AF speed has been improved.
Following are the specs of its sensor
- Maximum resolution of 4608×3456
- Maximum image ratio is 16:9
- Effective pixels are 16.0MP
- Size of sensor is 1/2.3″
- Has CCD type of sensor.
- Digic 4 processor is present
- ISO range is from 80 to 1600
- White balance preset is 5
- Cannot capture pictures in uncompressed format
Smart Auto Technology
There are predefined 32 shooting situations in the camera. Selecting one mode sets the camera settings to the appropriate settings for capturing images. This Smart Auto Technology is quite handy for those photographers who are new and don’t know how to adjust the camera settings according to the surroundings. The camera also offers full PASM exposure controls.
The LCD screen of the SX170 IS is not very impressive. Its size is just 3 inches with 461,000230,000 dots on it. It is a simple TFT colour LCD with no touch screen feature. Adding to this the screen is not articulated.
The SX170 IS is available in two colours i.e. red and black and scheduled to be launched in the US in September with a retail price of US$180.
