Canon SD970 IS vs Nikon S9700

Its time to look a little more closely at the Canon SD970 IS and Nikon S9700, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Canon and Nikon. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the SD970 IS (12MP) and S9700 (16MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SD970 IS was announced 6 years earlier than the S9700 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SD970 IS grades against the S9700 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SD970 IS and Nikon Coolpix S9700. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SD970 IS Gallery and Nikon S9700 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Canon SD970 IS enjoys external measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 26mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Nikon S9700 has proportions of 110mm x 64mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") with a weight of 232 grams (0.51 lbs).

Examine the Canon SD970 IS and Nikon S9700 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SD970 IS against the S9700.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SD970 IS and S9700 is 94 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading through a spec sheet. The picture here should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SD970 IS and S9700.

Clearly, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You should expect to see the Nikon S9700 to give more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged SD970 IS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.