Canon SD970 IS vs Panasonic LX7

Let's take a deeper look at the Canon SD970 IS and Panasonic LX7, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SD970 IS (12MP) and the LX7 (10MP) is very comparable but the SD970 IS (1/2.3") and LX7 (1/1.7") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The SD970 IS was announced 4 years prior to the LX7 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple view of how the SD970 IS matches up vs the LX7 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SD970 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7. The whole galleries are provided at Canon SD970 IS Gallery and Panasonic LX7 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera often, you have to consider its weight and size. The Canon SD970 IS has outer dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 26mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Panasonic LX7 has specifications of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") along with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Check out the Canon SD970 IS and Panasonic LX7 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the SD970 IS and the LX7.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SD970 IS and LX7 is 94 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing purely by seeing specs. The photograph underneath will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SD970 IS and LX7.

All in all, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SD970 IS with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Canon SD970 IS will provide greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older SD970 IS will be behind in sensor tech.