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Canon SD970 IS

 
Canon PowerShot SD970 IS front
 
  • 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
  • Released February 2009
  • Alternate Name is Digital IXUS 990 IS
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
94
Imaging
34
Features
24
Overall
30

Canon SD970 IS summary

Canon SD970 IS is Canon's Small Sensor Compact camera originally revealed on February of 2009. The camera features a 12MP, CCD 1/2.3" size sensor with a max resolution of 4000 x 3000. It is also known as "Digital IXUS 990 IS" in other countries.

The SD970 IS is positioned #184 out of 261 in Small Sensor Compact cameras and over-all #1119 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our database. You should check our Advanced camera filter to find camera results based on your custom criteria.

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Here is a diagram of various factors used in the rating system.

Canon SD970 IS family

The Canon SD970 IS comes with a history of related digital cameras. Down below, you can discover all previous and brand new models alongside main specs.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Canon-PowerShot-SX740-HS front thumbnailCanon SX740 HS
SD970 IS vs SX740 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
21MP1/2.3"2018
Canon-PowerShot-SX730-HS front thumbnailCanon SX730 HS
SD970 IS vs SX730 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
20.3MP1/2.3"2017
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Canon-PowerShot-SX620-HS front thumbnailCanon SX620 HS
SD970 IS vs SX620 HS
25-625mm
F3.2-6.6
20MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX720-HS front thumbnailCanon SX720 HS
SD970 IS vs SX720 HS
24-960mm
F3.3-6.9
20.3MP1/2.3"2016
Canon-PowerShot-SX410-IS front thumbnailCanon SX410 IS
SD970 IS vs SX410 IS
24-960mm
F3.5-5.6
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX710-HS front thumbnailCanon SX710 HS
SD970 IS vs SX710 HS
25-750mm
F3.2-6.9
20MP1/2.3"2015
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Canon-PowerShot-SX610-HS front thumbnailCanon SX610 HS
SD970 IS vs SX610 HS
25-450mm
F3.8-6.9
20MP1/2.3"2015
Canon-PowerShot-SX520-HS front thumbnailCanon SX520 HS
SD970 IS vs SX520 HS
24-1008mm
F3.4-6.0
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX400-IS front thumbnailCanon SX400 IS
SD970 IS vs SX400 IS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX700-HS front thumbnailCanon SX700 HS
SD970 IS vs SX700 HS
25-750mm
F3.2-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Canon-PowerShot-SX600-HS front thumbnailCanon SX600 HS
SD970 IS vs SX600 HS
25-450mm
F3.8-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Photography Glossary
Canon-PowerShot-SX510-HS front thumbnailCanon SX510 HS
SD970 IS vs SX510 HS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX170-IS front thumbnailCanon SX170 IS
SD970 IS vs SX170 IS
28-448mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX160-IS front thumbnailCanon SX160 IS
SD970 IS vs SX160 IS
28-448mm
F3.5-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX270-HS front thumbnailCanon SX270 HS
SD970 IS vs SX270 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX280-HS front thumbnailCanon SX280 HS
SD970 IS vs SX280 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2013
Canon-PowerShot-SX500-IS front thumbnailCanon SX500 IS
SD970 IS vs SX500 IS
24-720mm
F3.4-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX260-HS front thumbnailCanon SX260 HS
SD970 IS vs SX260 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX150-IS front thumbnailCanon SX150 IS
SD970 IS vs SX150 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2012
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Canon-PowerShot-SX240-HS front thumbnailCanon SX240 HS
SD970 IS vs SX240 HS
25-500mm
F3.5-6.8
12MP1/2.3"2012
Canon-PowerShot-SX230-HS front thumbnailCanon SX230 HS
SD970 IS vs SX230 HS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-PowerShot-SD4500-IS front thumbnailCanon SD4500 IS
SD970 IS vs SD4500 IS
36-360mm
F3.4-5.6
10MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-SX220-HS front thumbnailCanon SX220 HS
SD970 IS vs SX220 HS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Canon-PowerShot-SX130-IS front thumbnailCanon SX130 IS
SD970 IS vs SX130 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SD4000-IS front thumbnailCanon SD4000 IS
SD970 IS vs SD4000 IS
28-105mm
F2.0-5.3
10MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SX210-IS front thumbnailCanon SX210 IS
SD970 IS vs SX210 IS
28-392mm
F3.1-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SD3500-IS front thumbnailCanon SD3500 IS
SD970 IS vs SD3500 IS
24-120mm
F2.8-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SD1300-IS front thumbnailCanon SD1300 IS
SD970 IS vs SD1300 IS
28-112mm
F2.8-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2010
Canon-PowerShot-SD980-IS front thumbnailCanon SD980 IS
SD970 IS vs SD980 IS
24-120mm
F2.8-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2009
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Canon-PowerShot-SX200-IS front thumbnailCanon SX200 IS
SD970 IS vs SX200 IS
28-336mm
F3.4-5.3
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SD970-IS front thumbnailCanon SD970 IS37-185mm
F3.2-5.7
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SD960-IS front thumbnailCanon SD960 IS
SD970 IS vs SD960 IS
28-112mm
F2.8-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Canon-PowerShot-SD1200-IS front thumbnailCanon SD1200 IS
SD970 IS vs SD1200 IS
35-105mm
F2.8-4.9
10MP1/2.3"2009

Canon SD970 IS Pros and Cons

Here is a shortlist of upsides and downsides of the Canon SD970 IS based on features that are normally considered useful in a camera.

built-in flash
built in image stabilization (Optical)
built in zoom lens (37-185mm 5.0 x zoom)
comes with face detection focus
good minimum ISO (80)
includes HDMI support
pretty good screen size (3 inch)
cannot use external flash
display is not selfie friendly
doesn't have external mic jack
doesn't have headphone jack
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
fixed screen
has no phase detect auto focus
has no RAW support
lack of aperture priority mode
lack of manual focus
lack of shutter priority mode
low res video (1280 x 720 pixels)
max zoom aperture not good (f5.7)
MP count low (12MP)
no manual control
pixelated screen (461 k dot)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
slow max aperture (f3.2)
very slow continuous shooting (1.0 frames per second)
wide angle not fantastic (37mm)
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Canon SD970 IS Sensor features

The measurement of the sensor on the Canon SD970 IS is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to capture 4000 x 3000 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera boasts Image Stabilization (Optical). Sensor stabilization is more effective than digital stabilization since the latter may lead to cropping.

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The CCD sensor boasts 12MP and includes a native ISO range of 80 to 1600. Sadly, RAW files are not supported therefore the user has less margin for error.

The graphic below shows the SD970 IS's sensor size when compared to other common sizes. The SD970 IS sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is displayed in green.

Canon PowerShot SD970 IS sensor size Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

To get a sense of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Canon SD970 IS dimensions

Canon SD970 IS weighs around 0.35 lb (160 gr or 5.64 oz) and the overall size of the camera is 96mm x 57mm x 26mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 1.0"). The weight of typical Small Sensor Compact camera is 174 gr and the Canon SD970 IS is very much the same in comparison with other competitors.

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Listed below is a pic of the Canon SD970 IS besides a soft drink so you're able to have a sense of its size.

Canon PowerShot SD970 IS dimensions scale

The top view here will highlight the button layout on the SD970 IS.

Canon PowerShot SD970 IS topview buttons dials

Canon SD970 IS Lens features

The SD970 IS features a built in lens with a focal range of 37-185mm making it a 5.0 x zoom which is not exceptional nevertheless it could be helpful in a few conditions.

At it's widest 37mm, it will have an aperture of f3.2 making it kind of sluggish and not great in low light circumstances and you may find it hard to capture a shallow depth of field. You will probably also need to boost your ISO giving you noisy files. On the long end, 185mm comes with f5.7 which is pretty slow and you will have to go with slow shutter speeds.

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Canon SD970 IS Connectivity

The SD970 IS has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Digital cameras that consist of NFC and Bluetooth support can easily be controlled wirelessly via smartphones. You are able to copy pictures and oftentimes change camera settings with no need to connect directly with the camera.

Many apps also allow a Liveview and hit the shutter when you are not near the camera. If the camera features a HDMI out, it could be hooked up to an external screen. A good number of cameras will allow you to recharge the battery pack with the USB socket.

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Canon SD970 IS Video features

The max video quality on the Canon SD970 IS is 1280 x 720 and it can save in Motion JPEG format. 720p is terrible by today's standards. You should really shoot for a minimum FUll HD quality for good video. The body does not have a mic and headphone port which means that you have got zero control over your sound. It is perhaps a better idea to look at a different camera if you need better sound in your video clips.

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Canon SD970 IS Weather Sealing

There is no environment sealing for the Canon SD970 IS so you have to be careful in rainy and dusty conditions.

Canon SD970 IS Display and Viewfinder

The Canon SD970 IS features a 3" fixed screen with a resolution of 461k dots.

Please be aware that the screen offers no touch support.

Canon PowerShot SD970 IS screen and viewfinder Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The ViewFinder specs regarding Canon SD970 IS are the following:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders are quite handy during bright outdoor conditions which might make the camera display washed out and hard to view.

Canon SD970 IS Shutter features

Canon SD970 IS continuous shooting speed is 1.0 frames per second. The highest shutter speed is 1/1600 sec.

Photography Glossary

Canon SD970 IS Flash and Hot shoe features

Canon SD970 IS boasts just built-in flash lacking external flash support.

Canon SD970 IS Autofocusing features

Canon SD970 IS boasts only Contrast Based Autofocus and doesn't have Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot more faster and exact than Contrast Based focusing. The camera features Face detect which is handy for portrait photography.

It features 9 focus points to choose from. Canon SD970 IS does not have manual focusing. Manual focusing mode can be good during low light occasions or you want more precise control on focusing.

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Canon SD970 IS Battery life

The usual Small Sensor Compact camera battery life is 241. Fujifilm X30 has the maximum (470) battery life within this category of cameras.

Following is a collection of Small Sensor Compact cameras that have the strongest battery life:

Canon SD970 IS for various styles of photography

The following bar chart shows a summary of the Canon SD970 IS for various styles of photography. To see more, scroll to the specific paragraph below.

Canon SD970 IS Portrait photography info

The Canon SD970 IS has a points tally of 26 which is subpar, meaning that it is not suitable for portrait photography. Taking portrait photos leans heavily to sensor resolution, support for RAW photos & flexibility to use external flash.

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features face detection focus
lack of manual focus
manual mode not possible
no external flash support
low resolution (12MP)
small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW files

Canon SD970 IS Street photography highlights

Having a modest score of 56, the Canon SD970 IS is reasonably suitable to use in street photography. A decent street photography camera comes with a perfect balance of image quality and portability.

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has image stabilization (Optical)
fixed screen
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files

Sports photography with Canon SD970 IS

A subpar sports photography points total of 25 suggests the Canon SD970 IS is not suitable for shooting sports. A camera needs to have good tracking and fast continuous shooting for sports photography.

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has image stabilization (Optical)
painfully slow continuous shooting (1.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority
MP count low (12 megapixels)
small sensor (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect autofocus

Canon SD970 IS Travel photography factors

Weight is pretty important in buying a travel camera. All round, the Canon SD970 IS gets a reasonable 51 for a travel camera which makes it reasonably suitable to take with you on your journeys.

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built-in flash
lack of Time Lapse recording
sensor resolution low (12MP)
display is not selfie friendly
wide angle not the best (37mm)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.2)

Canon SD970 IS Landscape photography information

For those who are planning to purchase a digital camera for landscape photography, the most essential factor is going to be image quality. The Canon SD970 IS at it's subpar rating of 32 as a landscape camera is not suitable in the current marketplace.

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decent sized screen (3 inches)
image stabilization (Optical)
manual focus not available
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not fantastic (37mm)
slow maximum aperture (f3.2)
no manual control
low resolution sensor (12MP)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
doesn't have Timelapse function

Canon SD970 IS Vlogging advice

A camera for vlogging really should offer a articulating screen, mic input and ideally IBIS. Taking everything in to account, the Canon SD970 IS is not suitable for vlogging as it gets a subpar score of 27.

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built in image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detection focus
wide angle not great (37mm)
slow max aperture (f3.2)
display isn't selfie friendly
video quality not great (1280 x 720 pixels)
does not have external mic socket

Canon SD970 IS Alternatives

If you are shopping for alternatives to the SD970 IS, below is a range of the top rated cameras which fall in to the category of Small Sensor Compact.

The line graph here gives you a summary of the SD970 IS vs it's highest rated rivals shown previously.

These are some more cameras you might consider as alternative options. To review a thorough comparison, simply click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Make
Canon
Model type
Canon PowerShot SD970 IS
Also Known as
Digital IXUS 990 IS
Class
Small Sensor Compact
Released
2009-02-18
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
12 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Max resolution
4000 x 3000
RAW pictures
Max native ISO
1600
Lowest native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Total focus points
9
Lens
Lens mount type
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
37-185mm (5.0x)
Maximal aperture
f/3.2-5.7
Macro focusing distance
2cm
Focal length multiplier
5.8
Screen
Range of display
Fixed Type
Display sizing
3 inch
Resolution of display
461k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
None
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Min shutter speed
15 secs
Max shutter speed
1/1600 secs
Continuous shutter speed
1.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance
3.50 m
Flash options
Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions
1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Max video resolution
1280x720
Video data format
Motion JPEG
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
160 grams (0.35 pounds)
Dimensions
96 x 57 x 26mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 1.0")
Other
Battery ID
NB-5L
Self timer
Yes (2, 10, Custom, Face)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HD /MMCplus
Storage slots
One