Canon PowerShot A800 vs. SD970 IS: A Detailed Comparison for Compact Camera Buyers

Choosing a compact camera in today’s crowded market often means balancing performance, portability, and price. Two models from Canon’s earlier lineup, the PowerShot A800 and the PowerShot SD970 IS (also known as Digital IXUS 990 IS), remain intriguing options for photography enthusiasts seeking affordable yet capable small-sensor compacts. While both cameras were announced within a couple of years of each other and target roughly similar users, a deep dive reveals some noteworthy differences in features, ergonomics, and real-world performance. Having put both cameras through extensive hands-on testing - evaluating their sensors, autofocus, build, image quality, and suitability across photography genres - this article aims to deliver an authoritative, no-nonsense comparison to help you make an informed buying decision.

Let’s jump right in.

A Tale of Two Compacts: Design and Ergonomics Under the Microscope

Physical size and handling influence how naturally a camera fits your shooting style, particularly in street, travel, or casual photography. The Canon A800 and SD970 IS differ considerably in body design, shaping the user experience significantly.

The PowerShot A800 sports a boxier, somewhat thicker compact body measuring approximately 94 × 61 × 31 mm and weighing 186 grams. Its chunkier build accommodates AA batteries, boosting convenience if you’re traveling without access to proprietary chargers - AA cells remain ubiquitous worldwide. However, this does come at the cost of bulk and less refined styling. Handling during extended shooting sessions felt solid but a bit dated; button layouts are straightforward but not especially optimized for fast operation.

Conversely, the SD970 IS is notably sleeker and lighter at 96 × 57 × 26 mm and 160 grams - about 30% thinner - which makes it a better companion for pocket carry or discreet street shooting. Powered by an NB-5L rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it fits seamlessly in smaller bags, emphasizing portability without sacrificing essential controls.

One minor gripe: the SD970 IS’s flush buttons and limited grip surface sometimes demand conscious effort to hold steady, especially in lower light. Meanwhile, the PowerShot A800’s slightly protruding hand grip aids stability but impacts compactness.

Both cameras employ fixed lenses and lack electronic or optical viewfinders, relying entirely on rear LCDs for composition - a note worth remembering if you’re shooting outdoors in bright conditions.

Control Layout and Interface: Navigating the User Experience

Moving from handling to camera interface, I compared their control layouts and menus carefully. The SD970 IS impresses with a larger 3-inch screen at 461k-dot resolution, offering a bright, detailed viewing experience that facilitates precise framing and image review. In contrast, the A800’s smaller 2.5-inch TFT LCD with a meager 115k-dot resolution feels decidedly low-res and dim, its fixed-angle setup limiting shooting flexibility.

Neither camera incorporates touchscreen functionality, which is understandable given their release era (2009 and 2011, respectively), but both provide live view with basic manual exposure override options - albeit limited. The input layout features the usual directional pads and mode dials. SD970 IS benefits from dedicated buttons for quick access to flash modes, macro, and exposure compensation, improving efficiency under pressure.

The A800’s menu interface feels more utilitarian, with slower responsiveness and fewer customization opportunities. Its absence of optical image stabilization (IS) and simpler autofocus system also means you’ve got to be steadier in-hand or use supplemental support more often.

For casual shooters prioritizing ease and readable displays, the SD970 IS wins hands down. The A800 caters better to photographers used to smaller technology constraints or who favor rugged AA battery use.

Sensor Technology: Pixel Counts, Size, and Image Quality

At their core, both cameras employ a 1/2.3" CCD sensor - a widespread choice in compact cameras of their time providing decent image sharpness but limited dynamic range compared to modern CMOS sensors.

The Canon A800 sensor measures 6.17 × 4.55 mm with an effective resolution of 10 megapixels, outputting a maximum image resolution of 3648 × 2736 pixels. The CCD sensor is coupled with Canon's DIGIC 3 processor, which was competent but by no means state of the art during its release, limiting noise control particularly at higher ISO.

The SD970 IS ups the resolution claw to 12 megapixels on the same sensor size, delivering 4000 × 3000 pixel images. However, the increase in pixel density on the identical sensor surface sacrifices some pixel size, impacting low-light sensitivity and dynamic range a little.

In practical testing, both cameras produce reasonably crisp images at base ISO (80). However, when shooting shadows or high contrast landscapes, their limited dynamic range quickly becomes evident - highlights clip and shadow detail washes out without significant post-processing.

Noise characteristics remain typical of CCD-based sensors: fine at ISO 80-100 but becoming progressively grainy and losing detail past ISO 400. The SD970 IS performs marginally better overall due to newer image processing pipelines and improved optical image stabilization reducing motion blur.

Neither camera offers raw image capture, forcing exclusive reliance on JPEG output, which limits post-processing latitude. Photographers accustomed to extensive editing workflows might find this restrictive.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Practicality

Autofocus is critical across virtually all photography disciplines, from steady landscapes to fast-action sports.

The A800 uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with nine focus points, including center-weighted and face detection autofocus. Continuous autofocus is available but operates sluggishly, with occasional hunting in low-light. The slow operation combined with a single continuous shooting rate of 1 frame per second restricts its utility for more dynamic subjects.

The SD970 IS offers similar nine-point contrast-detection autofocus and face detection but lacks continuous AF mode, relying on single AF lock per shot. Additionally, it includes optical image stabilization, invaluable in handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds, especially with its longer 37-185 mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens.

Both cameras lack manual focus and advanced features like focus stacking or eye/animal eye AF - a disappointment for macro or wildlife shooters seeking finer control.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility Under the Hood

Lens specs often define a compact camera’s flexibility across photography genres.

• Canon A800 features a 37-122 mm equivalent zoom (3.3× optical zoom) with a fairly bright aperture range of f/3.0-5.8.
• SD970 IS provides a longer 37-185 mm equivalent zoom (5× optical zoom) at f/3.2-5.7 aperture.

The SD970 IS’s extended reach significantly broadens photographic possibilities, allowing for tighter framing of distant subjects, making it better suited for casual wildlife or sports snapshots in daylight.

Macro performance also differs slightly: A800 boasts a minimum focus distance of 1 cm versus 2 cm on the SD970 IS. However, without manual focus and with only contrast detection, neither excels in ultra-precise macro work, though both can reasonably handle flower or product photography at arm’s length.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing or weather-resistant ratings. Both are typical thin-shelled compacts built primarily from plastic and intended for casual indoor or mild outdoor use.

The A800’s bulletproof simplicity - AA battery power and a sturdier grip - makes it a tiny bit more travel-proof in remote regions where charging isn’t convenient, but both require cautious handling in rain or dusty environments.

Battery and Storage: Practical Shooting Considerations

Here, the cameras diverge significantly.

• The A800’s use of 2× AA batteries translates to convenience and accessibility; you can pick up spares in almost any store worldwide. It delivers around 300 shots per charge-equivalent set, with battery life varying by AA cell quality (NiMH rechargeables recommended).

• The SD970 IS is powered by a proprietary NB-5L Lithium-ion battery, offering no publicly stated exact shot count but typically lasts fewer shots than AA batteries in similar compacts unless frequently charged.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC cards for storage and only have one card slot.

Video Capabilities: Modest Offerings for Casual Clips

Videographers will feel underwhelmed by both models.

• A800 shoots 640 × 480 @30fps maximum - barely acceptable by even basic standards today. File format uses Motion JPEG, leading to large file sizes and limited editing flexibility.

• SD970 IS improves slightly with 720p HD video (1280 × 720 @30fps), again Motion JPEG but providing a clearer and more usable clip. Optical stabilization helps smooth handheld footage.

Neither supports microphone or headphone jacks, touchscreens, or advanced video codecs (e.g., H.264), limiting their suitability for serious video work.

Genre-Specific Real-World Use Analysis

How do these specifications translate into performance for your favorite photography genres?

Canon A800 front Canon A800 screen back Canon SD970 IS screen back

Portrait Photography

The SD970 IS’s better screen and optical IS aid framing and stabilization, but limited aperture and sensor technology restrict creamy bokeh and smooth skin tones. Both perform basic face detection autofocus but no eye tracking. The A800’s slightly wider aperture at the short end helps skin tone rendition marginally but lacks optical IS.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras’ CCDs and modest pixel counts yield decent detail in bright conditions but falter with dynamic range. The SD970 IS's higher resolution grants slightly more cropping flexibility. Photoshop tricks are essential to recover shadows and highlights. No weather sealing means cautious weather shooting.

Wildlife Photography

Thanks to a lens with 185 mm reach, the SD970 IS has the edge in framing distant animals. However, sluggish AF and reliance on single-frame capture limit utility for action shots. The A800’s short 122 mm zoom limits subject size but offers steadier grip.

Sports Photography

Limited by 1 fps burst rates and slow autofocus, neither camera is designed for sports. Neither can reliably track fast-moving subjects or perform well in low light.

Street Photography

The SD970 IS offers a more compact, discreet profile, making it more street-friendly. Its bright screen helps composition; however, limited manual controls restrict creative freedom. A800’s bulk reduces discretion.

Macro Photography

Both handle close focusing with ease. The A800’s 1 cm macro focus is impressive, but lack of manual focus controls hinders precision focusing on micro details.

Night and Astro Photography

CCD sensors and limited ISO performance (max 1600) make long exposures noisy. No bulb mode or external trigger options further restrict astrophotography potential.

Video

SD970 IS leads with 720p capability and optical IS, allowing slightly more usable casual clips. The A800’s VGA video is a last-resort option only.

Travel Photography

The SD970 IS’s slim size, longer zoom, and better screen favor travelers wanting pocketability and versatility. The A800’s AA battery use can be a strong selling point in remote areas lacking power.

Professional Work

Neither camera supports RAW capture or high-quality workflows. Both are best suited as secondary or casual backup cameras, not main professional tools.

Connectivity and Storage: Nothing Fancy but Functional

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS tagging. HDMI output is available only on the SD970 IS, enabling easier direct camera-to-HD TV slideshows. Both use USB 2.0 for image transfer.

Comprehensive Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

After hours of testing image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and handling dozens of shooting scenarios, I compiled overall performance scores to crystallize their strengths and weaknesses.

In brief:

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Buy the Canon PowerShot A800 if:

• You value the convenience of easy-to-find AA batteries for extended travel or emergency use.
• Your budget is very tight and you want a basic, reliable compact camera.
• You mostly shoot in well-lit conditions and don’t require HD video.
• Macro photography at very close range is a priority.

Buy the Canon PowerShot SD970 IS if:

• Portability and discretion are key; you want a slim, pocketable camera.
• You need a longer zoom to capture distant subjects.
• You appreciate a high-quality LCD for composition and review.
• Casual HD video and optical image stabilization are important.
• You prefer the convenience of a rechargeable battery and HDMI output.

Final Thoughts: The Compact Canon Duo for Casual Photographers

While both Canon A800 and SD970 IS tablets echo past eras of compact photography, each offers its own unique twist on entry-level performance with pros and cons highlighted in daily use. The SD970 IS edges out the competition thanks to its longer zoom, superior screen, and video capabilities - qualities that are increasingly relevant in today’s image-driven world.

However, the A800 holds a niche appeal for travelers and casual users who prioritize battery availability and straightforward operation above all else.

In the end, neither camera replaces modern compacts boasting CMOS sensors, touchscreen interfaces, or 4K video, but both remain credible affordable alternatives - especially when found on the used market. My advice: choose based on which trade-offs matter most in your photographic lifestyle.

Thank you for reading this detailed comparison. For more hands-on reviews and insightful camera guides grounded in extensive testing experience, stay tuned!

If you want to see more sample images side-by-side or have specific shooting scenarios in mind, feel free to reach out in the comments below.

Happy shooting!

Canon A800 front Canon A800 screen back Canon SD970 IS screen back