Canon SD970 IS vs Samsung NX100

Let's look more in depth at the Canon SD970 IS versus Samsung NX100, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Canon and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the SD970 IS (12MP) and the NX100 (15MP) is fairly close but the SD970 IS (1/2.3") and NX100 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The SD970 IS was unveiled 19 months before the NX100 making them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Canon SD970 IS being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the SD970 IS scores vs the NX100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SD970 IS & Samsung NX100. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SD970 IS Gallery & Samsung NX100 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon SD970 IS features outer dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 26mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX100 has proportions of 120mm x 71mm x 35mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 282 grams (0.62 lbs).

Check the Canon SD970 IS versus Samsung NX100 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use during that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the SD970 IS vs the NX100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SD970 IS and NX100 is 94 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to envision the gap in sensor measurements purely by researching technical specs. The visual underneath will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SD970 IS and NX100.

As you can tell, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SD970 IS with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Samsung NX100 will provide you with greater detail having an extra 3MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The older SD970 IS will be behind in sensor tech.