Canon SD970 IS vs Panasonic 3D1
94 Imaging
34 Features
24 Overall
30


93 Imaging
35 Features
36 Overall
35
Canon SD970 IS vs Panasonic 3D1 Key Specs
(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
- Revealed February 2009
- Also referred to as Digital IXUS 990 IS
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-100mm (F3.9-5.7) lens
- 193g - 108 x 58 x 24mm
- Announced November 2011

Canon SD970 IS vs Panasonic 3D1 Overview
Below is a in depth overview of the Canon SD970 IS vs Panasonic 3D1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SD970 IS (12MP) and the 3D1 (12MP) is fairly close and both cameras have the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

The SD970 IS was introduced 3 years prior to the 3D1 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before going into a full comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SD970 IS matches up versus the 3D1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Canon SD970 IS vs Panasonic 3D1 Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SD970 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The whole galleries are available at Canon SD970 IS Gallery and Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SD970 IS over the Panasonic 3D1
SD970 IS | 3D1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display resolution | 461k | ![]() | 460k | Crisper display (+1k dot) |
Reasons to pick Panasonic 3D1 over the Canon SD970 IS
3D1 | SD970 IS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | November 2011 | ![]() | February 2009 | More recent by 33 months |
Display size | 3.5" | ![]() | 3" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Common features in the Canon SD970 IS and Panasonic 3D1
SD970 IS | 3D1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | No manual focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen |
Canon SD970 IS vs Panasonic 3D1 Physical Comparison
For those who are aiming to lug around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SD970 IS enjoys external measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 26mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Panasonic 3D1 has dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).
Contrast the Canon SD970 IS vs Panasonic 3D1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the SD970 IS and the 3D1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SD970 IS and 3D1 is 94 and 93 respectively.

Canon SD970 IS vs Panasonic 3D1 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, its hard to see the contrast in sensor measurements simply by researching technical specs. The graphic below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SD970 IS and 3D1.
As you can tell, each of the cameras come with the identical sensor size and the identical resolution so you should expect comparable quality of pictures but you have to consider the release date of the cameras into account. The older SD970 IS will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.

Canon SD970 IS vs Panasonic 3D1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon SD970 IS vs Panasonic 3D1 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SD970 IS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Canon | Panasonic |
Model | Canon PowerShot SD970 IS | Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 |
Otherwise known as | Digital IXUS 990 IS | - |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Revealed | 2009-02-18 | 2011-11-07 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 12MP |
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 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 23 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 37-185mm (5.0x) | 25-100mm (4.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/3.2-5.7 | f/3.9-5.7 |
Macro focus range | 2cm | 5cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3" | 3.5" |
Display resolution | 461k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Display technology | - | TFT Full Touch Screen with AR coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 15s | 60s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/1600s | 1/1300s |
Continuous shooting speed | 1.0 frames/s | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 3.50 m | 3.50 m |
Flash modes | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, AVCHD, Motion JPEG |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
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 seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 160 gr (0.35 pounds) | 193 gr (0.43 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 96 x 57 x 26mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 1.0") | 108 x 58 x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") |
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 | - | 200 photographs |
Battery form | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | NB-5L | - |
Self timer | Yes (2, 10, Custom, Face) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HD /MMCplus | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Cost at launch | - | $670 |