Canon SD970 IS vs Samsung TL500

In this article, we are looking at the Canon SD970 IS and Samsung TL500, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Canon and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the SD970 IS (12MP) and the TL500 (10MP) is very comparable but the SD970 IS (1/2.3") and TL500 (1/1.7") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SD970 IS was unveiled 16 months before the TL500 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a concise view of how the SD970 IS matches up versus the TL500 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SD970 IS and Samsung TL500. The full galleries are provided at Canon SD970 IS Gallery and Samsung TL500 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon SD970 IS has got outer dimensions 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 Samsung TL500 has measurements of 114mm x 63mm x 29mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.1") and a weight of 386 grams (0.85 lbs).

Check the Canon SD970 IS and Samsung TL500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the SD970 IS vs the TL500.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SD970 IS and TL500 is 94 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements purely by checking out specs. The photograph here should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SD970 IS and TL500.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SD970 IS using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Canon SD970 IS will produce more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older SD970 IS will be behind in sensor technology.