Canon S90 vs Canon SD970 IS

Lets look more in depth at the Canon S90 versus Canon SD970 IS, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and both are built by Canon. The image resolution of the S90 (10MP) and the SD970 IS (12MP) is fairly close but the S90 (1/1.7") and SD970 IS (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

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The S90 was brought out 14 months later than the SD970 IS making them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the S90 matches up vs the SD970 IS for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot S90 and Canon PowerShot SD970 IS. The entire galleries are provided at Canon S90 Gallery and Canon SD970 IS Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Canon S90 has got physical measurements of 100mm x 58mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") having a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Canon SD970 IS has proportions of 96mm x 57mm x 26mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Canon S90 versus Canon SD970 IS in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the S90 compared to the SD970 IS.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the S90 and SD970 IS is 92 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to see the gap in sensor measurements just by researching specs. The visual below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the S90 and SD970 IS.

All in all, each of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S90 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Canon SD970 IS will render more detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more recent S90 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.