Canon SX170 IS has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. SX170 IS has a native ISO range of 100 - 1600 but unfortunately, Canon SX170 IS doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider
Canon SX170 IS is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Canon SX740 HS with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon SX170 IS vs Canon SX740 HS or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.
Let's look at how the size of the Canon SX170 IS's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.
Comparison image of Canon SX170 IS Sensor Size with other standard sensors
Sensor size is what determines the circle of confusion, and therefore how much
depth of field Canon SX170 IS gives you at any given aperture.
You can
calculate
the exact depth of field for the Canon SX170 IS
at any focal length, aperture and subject distance, including the hyperfocal distance
for landscapes and how close you can get before the focus zone becomes too thin.
