Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS Review

By:

Review posted 04/13/2015

Quick Take
Pros
  • Smart Auto shooting mode allows anyone to use the camera
  • Dedicated Video Capture Button is always ready to record 720p HD video
  • Optical IS helps handheld shooting in both still and video capture
  • Bright LCD is easy to see in all shooting situations
  • ECO mode extends battery by approx. 50 shots
  • Very affordable
  • Good image quality for social media sharing and small prints
Cons
  • Noticeable noise in all images
  • No Full HD video capture
  • Weak built-in flash
  • Sub-Par shooting performance
  • No HDMI output for HD movies on an HDTV
  • Very short battery life in normal shooting modes
Bottom Line
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS is an affordable and versatile ultra-compact digicam. Easy to carry and very easy to use, this is a great camera for everyday use. With a MSRP of US $149.99, it will not break the bank either. Read more in our Full Conclusion.
The new PowerShot ELPH 170 IS adds to Canon's series of budget friendly ELPH point-and-shoot cameras. It offers many great features -- a nice, long 12x zoom (25-300mm), a 20MP CCD image sensor, and optical IS (image stabilization) -- but at this price point, you do not get any wireless capabilities such as NFC or WiFi, the 2.7" LCD is rather small, and video resolution tops out at 720p HD @ 25fps.

The 170 also features Smart AUTO mode, which automatically optimizing camera settings for any shooting conditions; ECO mode, which extends battery life; and Creative Effects like Fisheye, Toy Camera, and Monochrome enhance your still image and video with artistic flair.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS Features:
  • 12x zoom lens
    • 25-300mm
  • 20MP CCD image sensor
  • DIGIC 4+ image processor
  • 720p HD video @ 25fps
  • 2.7-inch LCD display
  • Intelligent IS (image stabilization)
  • Smart AUTO
  • Creative Effects, including
    • Fish Eye
    • Toy Camera
    • Monochrome
  • ECO Mode

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 170 IS is available in Blue, Black, or Silver, with a $149.99 MSRP. See our best price box at the top right of this page to see current online pricing.



HR_ELPH170IS_BLACK_3Q_CL.jpg
HR_ELPH170IS_SILVER_3Q_CL.jpg
HR_ELPH170IS_SILVER_BACK_CL.jpg

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.