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Canon SD970 IS vs Fujifilm X20

Portability
94
Imaging
35
Features
24
Overall
30
Canon PowerShot SD970 IS front
 
Fujifilm X20 front
Portability
83
Imaging
39
Features
59
Overall
47

Canon SD970 IS vs Fujifilm X20 Key Specs

Canon SD970 IS
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 37-185mm (F3.2-5.7) lens
  • 160g - 96 x 57 x 26mm
  • Announced February 2009
  • Additionally referred to as Digital IXUS 990 IS
Fujifilm X20
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 2/3" Sensor
  • 2.8" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 12800
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 28-112mm (F2.0-2.8) lens
  • 353g - 117 x 70 x 57mm
  • Revealed April 2013
  • Replaced the Fujifilm X10
  • Renewed by Fujifilm X30
Photography Glossary

Canon SD970 IS vs Fujifilm X20 Overview

Here, we are evaluating the Canon SD970 IS versus Fujifilm X20, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Canon and FujiFilm. The sensor resolution of the SD970 IS (12MP) and the Fujifilm X20 (12MP) is very well matched but the SD970 IS (1/2.3") and Fujifilm X20 (2/3") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The SD970 IS was launched 5 years prior to the Fujifilm X20 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SD970 IS matches up vs the Fujifilm X20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Canon SD970 IS over the Fujifilm X20

 SD970 IS Fujifilm X20 
Display size3"2.8"Larger display (+0.2")
Display resolution461k460kSharper display (+1k dot)

Reasons to pick Fujifilm X20 over the Canon SD970 IS

 Fujifilm X20 SD970 IS 
RevealedApril 2013February 2009Newer by 51 months
Focus manually Very accurate focusing

Common features in the Canon SD970 IS and Fujifilm X20

 SD970 IS Fujifilm X20 
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Selfie screen Neither features selfie screen
Touch friendly display Lacking Touch friendly display

Canon SD970 IS vs Fujifilm X20 Physical Comparison

If you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon SD970 IS enjoys outside measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 26mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Fujifilm X20 has dimensions of 117mm x 70mm x 57mm (4.6" x 2.8" x 2.2") with a weight of 353 grams (0.78 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SD970 IS versus Fujifilm X20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the SD970 IS vs the Fujifilm X20.

Canon SD970 IS vs Fujifilm X20 size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SD970 IS and Fujifilm X20 is 94 and 83 respectively.

Canon SD970 IS vs Fujifilm X20 top view buttons comparison

Canon SD970 IS vs Fujifilm X20 Sensor Comparison

Often, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor dimensions just by checking a spec sheet. The pic here will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SD970 IS and Fujifilm X20.

Clearly, both of those cameras come with the identical MP but not the same sensor dimensions. The SD970 IS contains the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF tougher. The more aged SD970 IS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.

Canon SD970 IS vs Fujifilm X20 sensor size comparison

Canon SD970 IS vs Fujifilm X20 Screen and ViewFinder

Canon SD970 IS vs Fujifilm X20 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Canon SD970 IS Portrait photography info
Fujifilm X20 Portrait photography info
26
features face detection focusing
manual focus not available
manual exposure not available
no external flash support
low megapixels (12MP)
small sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
47
has manual focus
high flash sync (1/1,000s)
exports RAW files
low MP (12MP)
tiny sensor (2/3")
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Street Comparison

Canon SD970 IS as a Street photography camera
Fujifilm X20 as a Street photography camera
56
built in image stabilization (Optical)
no articulating screen
small sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
58
has image stabilization (Optical)
exports RAW files
no articulating screen
tiny sensor (2/3")
heavier than competition in class (353g)
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Sports Comparison

Canon SD970 IS as a Sports photography camera
Fujifilm X20 as a Sports photography camera
25
built in image stabilization (Optical)
slow continuous shooting (1.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
small sensor (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect AF
52
has image stabilization (Optical)
supports tracking focus
better than average battery power (270 per charge)
comes with phase detect auto focus
low MP (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor (2/3")
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Travel Comparison

Canon SD970 IS as a Travel photography camera
Fujifilm X20 as a Travel photography camera
51
flash built-in
missing Time Lapse recording
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
doesn't posses selfie friendly screen
wide angle not good (37mm)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.2)
61
better than average battery power (270 CIPA)
has built in flash
decently wide (28mm)
fast maximum aperture (f2.0)
no Time Lapse mode
heavier than competition in class (353 grams)
low MP (12 megapixels)
display isn't selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Canon SD970 IS Landscape photography information
Fujifilm X20 Landscape photography information
32
decent sized screen (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
manual focus not available
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not good (37mm)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.2)
manual exposure not available
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
small sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format
missing Time Lapse recording
55
has manual focus
decently wide (28mm)
fast maximum aperture (f2.0)
screen size is good (2.8")
has image stabilization (Optical)
exports RAW files
better than average battery power (270 CIPA)
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
low MP (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor (2/3")
no Time Lapse mode
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Vlogging Comparison

Canon SD970 IS Vlogging information
Fujifilm X20 Vlogging information
28
built in image stabilization (Optical)
features face detection focusing
wide angle not good (37mm)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.2)
doesn't posses selfie friendly screen
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pixels)
missing external mic support
31
decently wide (28mm)
fast maximum aperture (f2.0)
has image stabilization (Optical)
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
display isn't selfie friendly
no mic socket
heavier than competition in class (353g)
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Canon SD970 IS vs Fujifilm X20 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon SD970 IS and Fujifilm X20
 Canon PowerShot SD970 ISFujifilm X20
General Information
Manufacturer Canon FujiFilm
Model Canon PowerShot SD970 IS Fujifilm X20
Also called as Digital IXUS 990 IS -
Class Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Compact
Announced 2009-02-18 2013-04-29
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Processor - EXR Processor II
Sensor type CCD CMOS X-TRANS II
Sensor size 1/2.3" 2/3"
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 8.8 x 6.6mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 58.1mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixel 12 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution 4000 x 3000 4000 x 3000
Max native ISO 1600 12800
Min native ISO 80 100
RAW files
Autofocusing
Manual focus
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Number of focus points 9 -
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 37-185mm (5.0x) 28-112mm (4.0x)
Maximal aperture f/3.2-5.7 f/2.0-2.8
Macro focus distance 2cm 1cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 4.1
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 3 inches 2.8 inches
Display resolution 461k dots 460k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Display technology - TFT color LCD monitor
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None Optical (tunnel)
Viewfinder coverage - 85 percent
Features
Lowest shutter speed 15s 30s
Highest shutter speed 1/1600s 1/4000s
Continuous shooting rate 1.0 frames per second 12.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation - Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range 3.50 m 7.00 m
Flash settings Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Highest flash synchronize - 1/1000s
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Max video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video file format Motion JPEG H.264
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 160 gr (0.35 lbs) 353 gr (0.78 lbs)
Physical dimensions 96 x 57 x 26mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 1.0") 117 x 70 x 57mm (4.6" x 2.8" x 2.2")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 270 photographs
Type of battery - Battery Pack
Battery model NB-5L NP-50
Self timer Yes (2, 10, Custom, Face) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HD /MMCplus SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots One One
Retail cost - $500