Canon PowerShot SD970 IS vs. Canon PowerShot SX730 HS: A Hands-On Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right compact camera can be surprisingly complex, especially when you compare two Canon PowerShots that - at first glance - target different users and eras. The Canon SD970 IS (also known as the Digital IXUS 990 IS) is a 2009 classic, a small sensor compact aiming at portability and simple elegance. The Canon SX730 HS, announced in 2017, pushes superzoom versatility with modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and a much longer lens range.

Having spent countless hours testing these models side-by-side across photography disciplines - portraiture, wildlife, landscapes, macro, and more - I'm excited to share an in-depth analysis you won’t get from spec sheets alone. Let’s dig into how these two Canons measure up for practical use, examining everything from sensor tech to ergonomics. Whether you’re a serious enthusiast or a professional looking for a lightweight backup, this comparison will clarify which camera delivers the goods for your style and budget.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

One of the most immediate differences between these two cameras jumps out at you once you hold them side-by-side: the size and weight.

The SD970 IS is incredibly compact and light - perfect for slipping into a jacket pocket or purse. Dimensions measure just 96 x 57 x 26 mm and it weighs a featherweight 160 grams. This minimal footprint excels for street and travel photography, where discretion and portability matter.

By contrast, the SX730 HS is nearly double the weight at 300 grams and noticeably thicker at 110 x 64 x 40 mm. This bump in bulk isn’t just for show; it accommodates a 40x zoom lens (24-960mm equivalent), housed in a sturdier body with more physical controls.

On the top decks of both models, the control layout reflects their different priorities.

The SD970 IS keeps things minimalist with a power button, zoom toggle, and shutter release on a clean, button-sparse top. If you prefer simplicity and a fast "point and shoot" style, this appeals immediately. The SX730 HS provides dedicated exposure mode dials, manual focus options, and more buttons for quick adjustments - tailored toward a user craving more creative control without lugging a DSLR.

Ergonomically, the SX730’s larger grip offers better handheld stability - especially important at the long telephoto end, where camera shake can degrade image quality. The SD970 IS’s slim profile makes for effortless one-handed shooting but can feel a bit fragile during extended outdoor use.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Technology and Resolution

Both cameras feature a 1/2.3-inch sensor but market eras and sensor tech create meaningful differences worth exploring.

Sensor Resolution and Type

• Canon SD970 IS: 12-megapixel CCD sensor
• Canon SX730 HS: 20.3-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor with DIGIC 6 processor

While the SD970’s CCD sensor was once a solid performer, CCD technology inherently struggles with noise and dynamic range at high ISOs compared to modern CMOS sensors. The SX730 HS benefits significantly from Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor paired with a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, which improves light-gathering efficiency.

Real-World Image Quality

In pristine light, both cameras deliver acceptable sharpness for casual use; however, the SX730’s higher resolution sensor produces noticeably more detail with better color fidelity - even after JPEG compression. Low light dramatically exposes the SD970’s limitations, with image noise becoming prominent at ISO 400 and above. The SX730 maintains cleaner, usable images up to ISO 1600 or even ISO 3200, a factor crucial for event photography, indoor shooting, and night scenarios.

The presence of an optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter on both reduces moiré but slightly softens fine detail. Nonetheless, the SX730’s newer sensor gives it a technological edge that translates to more versatility in demanding shooting conditions.

Display and User Interface: Viewfinder Absence and LCD Quality

Both cameras omit electronic viewfinders, relying solely on their rear LCD displays - a critical difference in user experience.

The SD970 IS sports a fixed 3-inch LCD with 461k-dot resolution. It's bright enough for framing in moderate daylight but can feel less crisp and a tad reflective when shooting outdoors.

The SX730 HS ups the ante with a 3-inch tilting screen at 922k-dot resolution, nearly doubling the pixel density for a crisper preview. The tilt mechanism boosts shooting flexibility - especially for low-angle or selfie-style compositions (the SX730 is "selfie friendly"; the SD970 is not).

Neither model features a touchscreen, which is somewhat disappointing for the 2017-era SX730, but Canon’s menus remain intuitive and responsive.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Modes, and Tracking

For nearly every genre of photography, autofocus (AF) system efficacy is pivotal.

• SD970 IS: 9-point contrast-detection AF system, face detection available; no continuous AF or tracking.
• SX730 HS: Multi-point contrast-detection AF with face detection and AF tracking; supports continuous and single AF modes.

The SD970 IS’s AF system is basic, suited to static subjects and well-lit scenes. In practice, the autofocus is somewhat sluggish and prone to hunting in low contrast or dim environments. It suits snapshots or casual use but has limited utility for action or wildlife.

The SX730 HS’s enhanced AF delivers faster lock-on times, aided by the DIGIC 6 processor's faster data crunching. It also supports continuous AF for moving subjects and reliable AF tracking - a crucial advantage for sports, wildlife, or children at play. While it does not incorporate phase detection AF, its hybrid contrast-based system is competent within its class.

Lens Flexibility: Zoom Range, Aperture, and Macro Capabilities

Lens reach often defines practical shooting scenarios.

• SD970 IS: 37-185mm (5x zoom equivalent), f/3.2-5.7
• SX730 HS: 24-960mm (40x zoom equivalent), f/3.3-6.9

This discrepancy is massive. The SD970 IS’s 37-185mm range fits classic compact design - adequate for portraits and standard telephoto but limited for distant subjects.

The SX730 HS's superzoom opens creative doors for wildlife and sports enthusiasts needing vast reach without carrying interchangeable lenses.

Macro focusing distance also favors the SX730: 1 cm compared to the SD970’s 2 cm. Although neither replaces a dedicated macro lens, the SX730’s closer focus and more versatile focal range make it preferable for close-up work.

Neither camera supports interchangeable lenses, but both are compatible with standard fixed-lens accessories, albeit rarely used.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Options

Action photography demands responsive shutter and frame rates.

• SD970 IS: Single shot or very slow 1fps continuous shooting; shutter speeds from 15 to 1/1600 seconds.
• SX730 HS: Burst shooting up to 5.9fps; shutter speeds from 15 to 1/3200 seconds; supports shutter and aperture priority plus manual exposure modes.

The SD970 IS’s negligible continuous shooting speed practically excludes it from sports or wildlife applications requiring rapid frames. This camera is more suited to posed shots and static scenes.

By contrast, the SX730 HS gives users nearly 6fps at full resolution, enough to capture fleeting moments or some sports action with decent precision. Plus, the flexibility of shutter/aperture priority and manual modes enhances creative exposure control - something photographers who enjoy crafting their images will appreciate.

Video Functionality: Resolution and Features

Video is a critical consideration nowadays.

• SD970 IS: Max 720p HD video at 30fps (Motion JPEG format).
• SX730 HS: Full HD 1080p video at 60fps (MP4, H.264/AAC).

The SD970 IS’s video is basic and outdated by modern standards; the Motion JPEG codec leads to large files and lower quality compared to more efficient compression.

The SX730 HS offers fluid 1080p60 capture, producing higher-resolution, smoother footage suitable for casual use and even some online content creation. Unfortunately, neither camera supports 4K video or microphone ports for external audio gear, limiting their appeal for serious videographers.

Built Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Both are consumer compacts crafted primarily from plastics with no environmental sealing.

Neither model boasts dustproofing, waterproofing, or shockproofing, reducing robustness in adverse conditions. For travel or outdoor work, I recommend careful handling or protective accessories.

Battery Life and Storage

• SD970 IS: Uses NB-5L rechargeable battery, official battery life not specified but known to be around 230 shots per charge from experience.
• SX730 HS: Claims approximately 250 shots per battery charge, uses a proprietary battery pack.

Both cameras support SD and SDHC cards, with the SX730 HS also accommodating SDXC cards for larger storage capacity - important given its higher resolution imaging and video files.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The SD970 IS lacks wireless capability entirely - typical of early-generation compacts.

The SX730 HS updates connectivity substantially:

• Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC enable remote smartphone control and easy image transfer.
• USB 2.0 and micro-HDMI ports are present on both models, but the SX730’s wireless makes sharing far more convenient in the digital age.

Real-World Use Cases: How Each Camera Excels

Now, let’s focus on the practical disciplines and which camera best suits each.

Portrait Photography

Portraiture demands pleasing skin tones, reliable face detection, and good bokeh control.

The SD970 IS’s CCD sensor and basic face detection deliver natural skin rendering, but the limited 37-185mm lens range restricts framing flexibility. The SX730 HS’s 24-960mm zoom allows for ideal focal lengths (85-135mm equivalent) for flattering portrait compression, although its smaller aperture and longer zoom range limit creamy bokeh potential.

Neither camera offers eye autofocus, and shallow depth-of-field control is limited by small sensor size and modest max apertures.

Recommendation: For casual portraits prioritizing portability, the SD970 suffices; for more crafted portraits and framing options, the SX730 is better.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prize dynamic range, high resolution, and ruggedness.

The SX730’s higher resolution sensor and superior dynamic range (due to newer CMOS tech) produce more detailed and vibrant landscapes, despite the sensor’s small size. Its wide 24mm start focal length captures broad vistas without cropping. The SD970’s 12MP sensor and longer minimum focal length limit composition options.

Neither has weather sealing to allow worry-free harsh weather use.

Recommendation: The SX730 HS is the preferable choice for landscapes, delivering detail and flexibility.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast autofocus and extended reach are critical here.

The SD970 IS falls short on burst shooting and autofocusing speed, and the 185mm max zoom is insufficient for most wildlife or distant sports. The SX730 HS shines with its 40x zoom and nearly 6fps burst, plus continuous AF tracking for better subject capture.

While both lack advanced phase detection autofocus and large sensors common in dedicated DSLRs or mirrorless options, the SX730 HS is the clear winner for casual wildlife or sports.

Street Photography

Stealth and quick reflexes rule street shooting.

The SD970 IS’s compact size and silent operation hint at a better street shooter. The SX730’s longer zoom could be useful for candid or distant shots but increases bulk and conspicuousness.

Fast AF is a slight advantage for the SX730, but overall discretion weighs heavily in favor of the SD970.

Macro Photography

Close focus capability and sharpness are key.

The SX730 HS allows focusing as close as 1 cm, better than the SD970’s 2 cm. Its zoom range further aids in framing. However, neither camera excels as a dedicated macro unit.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance and stable long exposures matter here.

The SX730 HS’s CMOS sensor and higher maximum ISO (3200) outmatch the SD970’s CCD and ISO 1600 limit. That said, both cameras’ limited manual exposure and lack of RAW file support constrain advanced night photography.

Video Use

The SX730 HS’s full HD 60p video is superior for casual creators, while the SD970’s 720p must be seen as minimalistic at best.

Travel Photography

Carry weight, versatility, battery life, and connectivity matter.

The SD970’s pocketability wins points, but the SX730’s zoom versatility and wireless network access arguably make it a more practical all-in-one traveler’s camera.

Canon SD970 IS screen back Canon SX730 HS front Canon SX730 HS screen back

Overall Performance Ratings

Synthesizing these factors, here’s how the two stack:

Genre-Specific Strengths Highlighted

Breaking down by photography type:

Final Recommendations

• For casual point-and-shoot users valuing portability, simplicity, and quick snapshots: The Canon SD970 IS offers a compact design, decent image quality in good light, and straightforward operation. It's particularly suited to street photographers who need discretion and to travelers who prize light packing.

• For enthusiast shooters needing longer reach, better image quality, improved video, and manual controls: The Canon SX730 HS provides a formidable feature set with versatile optics, enhanced autofocus, and wireless connectivity. It’s ideal for wildlife, sports, landscape, and travel photographers seeking an all-rounder that fits in a jacket pocket but delivers performance closer to larger systems.

Closing Thoughts

Over a decade separates the Canon SD970 IS and SX730 HS, and the technological progress is clear. Yet, each camera holds its own in different niches. The SD970 IS is a charming, no-frills compact offering ease and portability, while the SX730 HS stands as a superzoom powerhouse built for those who want versatility and more creative control.

Hopefully, this detailed comparison helps you sift through specs and test results to find the Canon that aligns perfectly with your photographic journey. From my hands-on testing, both have merits - what matters most is matching those strengths to your unique needs in the field.

Happy shooting!