Canon PowerShot SD970 IS vs Canon PowerShot SX510 HS: An Exhaustive Comparison for Discerning Photographers

When considering a compact camera purchase, especially from an established manufacturer like Canon, the selection can often present a challenging balancing act between portability, image quality, zoom versatility, and feature sets. Today, we dissect two distinct Canon models from their mid-range compact lineup - the PowerShot SD970 IS (also known as the Digital IXUS 990 IS), released in early 2009, and the more recent PowerShot SX510 HS, launched in 2013. While both cameras belong to the compact category, their differing specifications hint at diverse intended uses and user segments.

Leveraging over 15 years of hands-on experience testing an extensive range of camera models, I will guide you through a meticulous comparative analysis grounded in technical performance, real-world image quality, and user-centric operational insights. This article will help you discern which Canon suits your photographic ambitions best - be it portraiture, wildlife, travel, or video-centric workflows.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Form Factor and Handling

At first glance, these cameras could not be more different in their physicality and ergonomics - a critical consideration for field use and handling comfort.

The Canon SD970 IS epitomizes pocketable elegance, with dimensions measuring 96 x 57 x 26 mm and a featherlight weight of just 160 grams, emphasizing true compactness for casual shooters or travelers seeking ultra-portability. By contrast, the SX510 HS, while still compact, is significantly bulkier and heavier - measuring 104 x 70 x 80 mm and weighing 349 grams, which reflects its superzoom lens configuration and more extensive feature set.

This size differential extends to grip and control layout. Our meticulous side-by-side evaluation revealed the SD970 IS offers limited ergonomics with its slender body, making sustained shooting slightly more challenging for larger hands or when wielding for extended periods. The SX510 HS, with a more traditional compact camera profile, includes a pronounced grip, improving handling confidence, particularly with longer telephoto reach. Clearly, for users valuing minimal bulk and discretion, the SD970 IS commands attention; for those prioritizing stability and lens reach, the SX510 HS strikes a more balanced compromise.

Design Language and Interface: Control Usability Under the Lens

Examining the top view of both models highlights divergent design philosophies reflective of their eras and target markets.

The SD970 IS features a minimalist layout with basic controls - an accessible shutter release, zoom toggle, and a handful of function buttons - ideal for point-and-shoot simplicity. It lacks dedicated dials for advanced exposure control, reflecting a user base of casual to enthusiast photographers not inclined to manual mode experimentation.

Conversely, the SX510 HS introduces more refined controls, including dedicated dials enabling shutter and aperture priority modes and even full manual exposure control. Additionally, the inclusion of exposure compensation and custom white balance options provide creative flexibility absent from the SD970 IS. This design caters to more experienced users seeking creative control without investing in bulkier DSLRs or mirrorless systems.

Sensor Specifications: Technology and Image Quality Impact

Image quality remains paramount, and both cameras employ a 1/2.3-inch sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a sensor area of approximately 28.07 mm². However, the underlying sensor technology and image processing engine distinguish the cameras profoundly.

• The SD970 IS utilizes a CCD sensor - a common technology in compacts of its generation, which often delivers vibrant colors but exhibits higher noise levels at elevated ISOs and slower readout affecting burst speed.

• The SX510 HS integrates a more modern CMOS sensor coupled with Canon’s Digic 4 processor. This pairing permits better noise management, higher ISO sensitivity (up to native ISO 3200 vs. 1600 in the SD970 IS), and faster data throughput, facilitating enhanced continuous shooting and video capabilities.

In practical field tests, the SX510 HS notably excels in low-light environments, with cleaner shadow detail and less chroma noise even at ISO 800 and above - important factors for night, astro, or indoor photography disciplines. The SD970 IS’s CCD sensor, while competent under optimal lighting, struggles to maintain detail and color fidelity once light levels drop or when shooting fast-moving subjects due to slower sensor readout.

Display and User Interface: Real-Time Framing and Review

Both models feature an identically sized 3-inch LCD screen with a resolution near 461k dots, offering a familiar framing and playback experience. However, the display technology and touchscreen presence differ.

• The SD970 IS features a fixed-type, non-touchscreen display with basic color reproduction and limited viewing angles, common in compact cameras at its launch.

• The SX510 HS incorporates a TFT color LCD offering somewhat improved brightness and color fidelity, critical for on-location composition in various lighting conditions. However, neither camera supports touchscreen input, which is a notable limitation relative to more recent models adopting touch interfaces for quicker parameter adjustments or autofocus area selection.

From a usability perspective, the SX510 HS benefits from live view autofocus with face detection augmented by the Digic 4 processor's faster response, whereas the SD970 IS’s live view remains slower, directly impacting real-time focusing accuracy and ease of use during fast-paced shooting.

Lens and Zoom Capability: Reach vs. Compactness

Lens design is where these two Canons diverge most boldly and arguably where user intent clarifies.

• The SD970 IS sports a fixed 37-185 mm (5x optical zoom) lens with an aperture range of f/3.2-5.7. This moderate zoom range is ideal for portraits, everyday snapshots, and general use but lacks the reach required for telephoto-intensive disciplines.

• By contrast, the SX510 HS boasts an impressive 24-720 mm (30x optical zoom) lens, f/3.4-5.8 aperture range - a remarkable feat within the compact form factor.

This extended focal length versatility enables wildlife and sports enthusiasts to comfortably reach distant or fast-moving subjects without switching lenses. However, the long zoom introduces greater susceptibility to camera shake, mitigated partially by optical image stabilization incorporated in both cameras.

In macro scenarios, the SD970 IS offers a minimum focus distance as close as 2 cm, facilitating detailed close-up work. The SX510 HS lists a 0 cm macro focus range, which translates to the ability to focus extremely close in real terms (practically advantageous for macro photography). Our experience confirms the SX510 HS marginally outperforms the SD970 IS in macro sharpness, aided possibly by more advanced focusing mechanisms.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Effective autofocus is a cornerstone of photographic success, especially for wildlife, sports, and street photography.

• The SD970 IS employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with 9 selectable focus points, supporting face detection but limited to single-shot AF with no continuous tracking capabilities.

• The SX510 HS also uses contrast detection but adds AF tracking and face detection, albeit with a single focus point and center-weighted metering, benefiting from the Digic 4 processor's processing power for improved accuracy.

Performance tests reveal the SD970 IS's autofocus to be reliable in bright conditions but slower and prone to hunting in low light or low contrast scenes. The SX510 HS provides notably faster autofocus lock times and superior subject tracking, particularly valuable when capturing movement or in unpredictable lighting.

The absence of phase-detection autofocus and eye/animal eye AF on both models reflects their entry-level to mid-tier positions; however, the SX510 HS's AF tracking elevates it closer to a beginner-friendly bridge camera than a simple point-and-shoot.

Burst Shooting and Video Performance

For action and dynamic scenes, burst mode and video capabilities are increasingly important.

• The SD970 IS only offers a paltry 1.0 fps continuous shooting speed, limiting its utility for capturing fleeting moments or sports action.

• The SX510 HS, in contrast, supports up to 4.0 fps, quadrupling the SD970 IS's frame rate, improving chances to get sharp results in fast sequences.

Video recording is another arena where the SX510 HS bests the SD970 IS decisively.

• The SD970 IS records video in Motion JPEG format at a maximum resolution of 1280x720 (HD) at 30 fps, which results in large file sizes and limited post-processing flexibility.

• The SX510 HS supports Full HD 1920x1080 video recording at 24 fps, offering superior image quality, compression efficiency (MPEG-4/H.264), and overall modern video performance.

Neither camera supports 4K or external microphone input, limiting professional video application potential, but the SX510 HS clearly targets users interested in casual to enthusiast-grade HD video capture.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance and Expandability

Shooting longevity and storage flexibility can dictate a camera’s usefulness for travel and prolonged outings.

• Battery life is unspecified for the SD970 IS but given the small battery model (NB-5L) and LCD reliance, users should expect moderate endurance - typically 200-250 shots per charge under standard use.

• The SX510 HS explicitly lists a battery cycle capacity of 250 shots, roughly matching the smaller model despite heavier processing loads - indicative of power-efficient electronics.

Both cameras rely on single SD/SDHC cards, with the SX510 HS also compatible with SDXC for higher capacity storage - a prudent advantage for high-resolution video and extended image sessions.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless and Expansion

In today’s wireless world, connectivity options are increasingly important for fast image sharing and remote control.

• The SD970 IS has no wireless connectivity features.

• The SX510 HS, meanwhile, integrates built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for convenient image transfer and remote shooting via compatible mobile apps, a significant practical benefit absent in the earlier SD970 IS.

Neither camera offers Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS geotagging, nor any form of environmental sealing or ruggedness enhancements.

Real-World Photography Performance Across Disciplines

To provide a holistic evaluation, I tested the two cameras across various common photography genres, evaluating practical outcomes you can expect.

Portrait Photography

Portraits emphasize natural skin tones, reliable face detection, pleasing background blur (bokeh), and eye accuracy.

While both have face detection, the SX510 HS leverages faster autofocus and better exposure control, producing consistently pleasing skin tones under variable lighting. Its longer zoom allows framing at mid-telephoto focal lengths favorable for flattering compression and subject isolation.

The SD970 IS delivers acceptable portraits in good light but limited zoom range and slower AF result in less flexibility and occasional focus misses.

Neither camera offers large apertures to produce strong bokeh - both max apertures taper to f/5.7 or smaller - but shallow depth-of-field effects are marginally easier to achieve on the SX510 HS at longer focal lengths.

Landscape Photography

Shooting landscapes demands wide dynamic range, high resolution, and preferably weather sealing for outdoor durability.

Neither camera is weather-sealed; both are exposed to dust or moisture risks. Resolution-wise, the SD970 IS generates crops at 12MP (4000x3000), while the SX510 HS outputs slightly higher at (4608x3456). However, the more modern CMOS sensor on the SX510 HS affords better dynamic range in practice, preserving highlights and shadows better.

Canon SD970 IS screen back Canon SX510 HS front Canon SX510 HS screen back

Landscape shooters will appreciate the SX510 HS’s wider 24 mm equivalent wide-angle end, allowing expansive framing absent from the SD970 IS’s less wide 37 mm start.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife requires long lenses, fast focus, and rapid frame rates.

The 30x zoom on the SX510 HS, combined with 4 fps burst and enhanced AF tracking, makes it the preferred choice for casual wildlife photography. While not matching DSLR-class speed, it can deliver usable images in moderately challenging scenarios.

The SD970 IS’s limited 5x zoom and 1 fps shooting make it impractical for this discipline.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, sports benefit from rapid autofocus, tracking, and burst speed.

Again, the SX510 HS’s explicit shutter and aperture priority modes empower creative control, permitting faster shutter speeds needed to freeze action. The SD970 IS lacks manual exposure modes, limiting adaptability to varied lighting conditions commonly encountered in sports.

Street Photography

Street photography values discretion, portability, and quick responsiveness.

The much smaller and lighter SD970 IS wins on compactness - easy to conceal and fast to deploy. However, the slower autofocus and limited zoom reduce versatility in capturing candid moments at a distance.

The SX510 HS’s larger body attracts more attention but offers better reach and image quality flexibility.

Macro Photography

Close focusing capabilities are present on both cameras, with the SX510 HS's 0 cm nominal minimum focus distances translating to excellent macro function, aided by stabilized lenses and accurate focusing.

Night and Astro Photography

Limited by modest sensor size and noise control, neither camera excels for astrophotography, although the SX510 HS outperforms at higher ISO settings with clearer low-light results.

Extended exposure shooting beyond 15 seconds isn’t supported in either, constraining star trail or deep sky imaging.

Video Capabilities

The SX510 HS’s Full HD 1080p video at 24 fps, efficient codec (H.264), and better sensor positioning make it the practical choice for vloggers or casual videographers.

The SD970 IS’s 720p MOV clips are serviceable but feel increasingly dated and bulky to handle in editing.

Neither camera supports microphone input or stabilization beyond optical lens correction, limiting video production scope.

Travel Photography and Professional Work Use

Travelers can appreciate the SD970 IS for portability but must accept its narrow focal range and slower interface.

The SX510 HS, while larger, provides evident versatility for travelers needing broad focal coverage and decent battery life.

For professional use, neither camera meets rigorous reliability or advanced file format (RAW unsupported) demands, serving more as enthusiast compacts than workhorses.

Technical and Performance Ratings Overview

Synthesizing test results and performance metrics, including autofocus accuracy, image quality, burst rate, and feature set:

The Canon SX510 HS clearly ranks superior across nearly all measurable parameters except for sheer portability and weight.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Looking deeper into camera suitability by photographic genre:

• Portraits, wildlife, sports, and video: SX510 HS leads by a sizeable margin
• Street and travel: mixed results depending on portability preference
• Macro and landscape: SX510 HS slightly favored due to zoom and sensor tech
• Night/astro: Both limited, SX510 HS holds a modest advantage

Summary: Which Canon Fits Which Photographer?

Canon SD970 IS

Strengths:

• Ultra-compact and lightweight design ideal for casual shooters valuing pocketability
• Simplicity and ease-of-use for point-and-shoot scenarios
• Decent image quality in bright condition portraits and landscapes
• Affordable (although now discontinued, secondhand prices are low)

Weaknesses:

• Limited zoom (5x), slow continuous shooting
• No manual exposure controls
• Older CCD sensor struggles in low light
• No wireless connectivity or advanced video features
• Not suited for action, wildlife, sports, or professional workflows

Ideal user:
Travelers and casual photographers prioritizing size and simplicity over versatility.

Canon SX510 HS

Strengths:

• Extensive 30x zoom range covering wide-angle to super-telephoto
• Superior CMOS sensor with higher ISO ceiling and better noise performance
• Advanced exposure controls (manual, shutter, aperture priority)
• Faster autofocus with tracking and face detection
• Improved burst shooting (4 fps) for action capture
• Full HD 1080p video recording with H.264 compression
• Built-in Wi-Fi for easy file sharing and remote control
• Enhanced macro abilities and wide aspect ratio options

Weaknesses:

• Heavier and less pocketable
• No RAW support limits post-processing latitude
• Lacks touchscreen and electronic viewfinder
• Limited environmental protection
• Average battery life for travel-intensive work

Ideal user:
Enthusiasts and casual professionals seeking an all-around versatile point-and-shoot with superzoom capabilities and moderate manual control in a compact package.

Final Thoughts

Having extensively tested both cameras extensively and side-by-side under controlled and natural conditions, the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS emerges as the more capable and flexible compact model, offering substantial improvements in sensor technology, zoom range, autofocus, video capabilities, and connectivity. Its compromises revolve around size and weight but provide tangible functional benefits for a wider gamut of photographic pursuits - from wildlife through travel to casual video.

The Canon PowerShot SD970 IS, while elegant in its simplicity and portability, reflects camera technology from a bygone era; perfect for minimalist uses and collectors but generally outperformed by newer models.

If your priorities revolve around small form factor and basic casual shooting, the SD970 IS is an acceptable, low-cost companion. However, for enthusiasts desiring modern features, better image quality, and creative control without stepping into the DSLR realm, the SX510 HS stands out as the sensible, enduring choice.

By considering your own shooting habits, subjects, and ambitions alongside this comprehensive technical comparison, you can confidently select the Canon camera that best fits your photographic vision and lifestyle.

I invite you to explore the full specs, hands-on samples, and performance benchmarks provided herein to deepen your understanding and make an informed investment.

Thank you for reading this detailed review - your next great photo awaits!