Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5
94 Imaging
35 Features
24 Overall
30
![Canon PowerShot SD970 IS front Canon PowerShot SD970 IS front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/w300/fronton/Canon-PowerShot-SD970-IS.jpg)
![Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 front Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX5/Sony-HX5-front.jpg)
92 Imaging
33 Features
30 Overall
31
Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 37-185mm (F3.2-5.7) lens
- 160g - 96 x 57 x 26mm
- Introduced February 2009
- Alternative Name is Digital IXUS 990 IS
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.4" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-250mm (F3.5-5.5) lens
- 200g - 102 x 58 x 29mm
- Introduced June 2010
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 Overview
In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Canon SD970 IS versus Sony HX5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Canon and Sony. The image resolution of the SD970 IS (12MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is pretty similar but the SD970 IS (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") enjoy different sensor sizes.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
The SD970 IS was revealed 16 months earlier than the HX5 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before going in to a full comparison, below is a quick overview of how the SD970 IS matches up vs the HX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SD970 IS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The full galleries are available at Canon SD970 IS Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon SD970 IS over the Sony HX5
SD970 IS | HX5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 461k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer screen (+231k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony HX5 over the Canon SD970 IS
HX5 | SD970 IS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | June 2010 | ![]() | February 2009 | More modern by 16 months |
Common features in the Canon SD970 IS and Sony HX5
SD970 IS | HX5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Lack of manual focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen dimensions |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Lacking Touch friendly screen |
Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 Physical Comparison
If you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon SD970 IS features external 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) while the Sony HX5 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).
Examine the Canon SD970 IS versus Sony HX5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SD970 IS and the HX5.
![Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 size comparison Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Canon-PowerShot-SD970-IS-vs-Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX5-size-comparison.jpg)
Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SD970 IS and HX5 is 94 and 92 respectively.
![Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 top view buttons comparison Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Canon-PowerShot-SD970-IS-vs-Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX5-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it can be difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizes only by reading specs. The image here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SD970 IS and HX5.
As you can plainly see, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SD970 IS using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Canon SD970 IS will offer extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged SD970 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.
![Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 sensor size comparison Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Canon-PowerShot-SD970-IS-vs-Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX5-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 Screen and ViewFinder
![Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Canon-PowerShot-SD970-IS-vs-Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-HX5-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Canon SD970 IS vs Sony HX5 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SD970 IS | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Canon | Sony |
Model | Canon PowerShot SD970 IS | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 |
Also called as | Digital IXUS 990 IS | - |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Introduced | 2009-02-18 | 2010-06-16 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | - | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.4" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.104 x 4.578mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 27.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 10 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 3456 x 2592 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 125 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 37-185mm (5.0x) | 25-250mm (10.0x) |
Maximal aperture | f/3.2-5.7 | f/3.5-5.5 |
Macro focus range | 2cm | 5cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of screen | 461 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 15s | 30s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/1600s | 1/1600s |
Continuous shooting speed | 1.0fps | 10.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 3.50 m | 3.80 m |
Flash settings | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off | Auto, On, Off, Slow syncro |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (60, 30fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | AVCHD |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | BuiltIn |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 160g (0.35 lbs) | 200g (0.44 lbs) |
Dimensions | 96 x 57 x 26mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 1.0") | 102 x 58 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") |
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 model | NB-5L | NP-BG1 |
Self timer | Yes (2, 10, Custom, Face) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, portrait1/portrait2) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HD /MMCplus | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo/ PRO HG-Duo, optional SD/SDHC, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Pricing at launch | - | $275 |