Canon PowerShot SD960 IS vs Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS and the Canon PowerShot SD970 IS, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Both cameras were introduced in February 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.80" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 0.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS Highlights

      • 12.1 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 461k dot Fixed Screen
      • 1.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Canon PowerShot SD960 IS
      4. Advantage of Canon PowerShot SD970 IS
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot SD960 IS and Canon PowerShot SD970 IS.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 145 g (0.32 lb / 5.11 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon SD960 IS
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SD960 IS over Canon PowerShot SD970 IS.

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS vs Canon PowerShot SD970 IS
      Reaches Wider Angle 28 mm vs 37 mm
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/2.8 vs f/3.2
      Lighter 145 g (0.32 lb / 5.11 oz) vs 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SD960 IS.

      Canon SD990 IS
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      1/1.7-inch

      14.7 MP

      Canon SD940 IS
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon SD980 IS
      Image cannot be found

      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon R7
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Nikon Z8
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon R10
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7R IIIA
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      42.4 MP

      Canon R8
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Sony a6400
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Casio EX-ZR10
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon R3
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      Full Frame

      24.1 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      Canon SD970 IS
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SD970 IS over Canon PowerShot SD960 IS.

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS vs Canon PowerShot SD970 IS
      Reachs More Telephoto 112 mm vs 185 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 4x vs 5x
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/5.8 vs f/5.7
      Larger Screen 2.80" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 461k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 0.8 fps vs 1.0 fps
      Built-in Microphone Mono vs Stereo

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SD970 IS.

      Canon SD990 IS
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      1/1.7-inch

      14.7 MP

      Canon SD940 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon SD980 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Sony a7 III
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7R IV
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      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Canon R7
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      APS-C

      32.5 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Sony a6500
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Casio EX-ZR10
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Sony a7S III
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon PowerShot SD960 IS Canon PowerShot SD970 IS
        Video Capture
        Low Native ISO8080
        High Native ISO1,6001,600
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        Light145 g (0.32 lb / 5.11 oz)160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot SD960 IS Canon PowerShot SD970 IS
        Small Sensor1/2.3-inch1/2.3-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor12.1 Megapixel12.1 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points99
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot461k dot
        No Viewfinder
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/1600 sec1/1600 sec
        Low Max Continuous Shooting0.8 fps1.0 fps
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution1280 x 7201280 x 720
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS has a 2.80" screen with 230k dot resolution and Canon PowerShot SD970 IS has a 3.0" screen with 461k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

      Sensor

      Both models feature a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Their native ISO range is 80 - 1,600

      Photography Features

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 2248, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 320 x 140 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios. Canon PowerShot SD970 IS can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4000 x 2248, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 320 x 140 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer.


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS comes with NB-4L battery pack and Canon PowerShot SD970 IS comes with NB-5L battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HD /MMCplus card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/1600 sec on Canon PowerShot SD960 IS, and up to 1/1600 sec on Canon PowerShot SD970 IS. Canon PowerShot SD960 IS can shoot continuously up to 0.8 fps. Canon PowerShot SD970 IS can shoot continuously up to 1.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 4.00 m on Canon PowerShot SD960 IS and 3.50 m on Canon PowerShot SD970 IS..

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS body has dimensions of 98 x 54 x 22 mm (3.86 x 2.13 x 0.87") and Canon PowerShot SD970 IS body has dimensions of 96 x 57 x 26 mm (3.78 x 2.24 x 1.02"). Canon PowerShot SD960 IS weighs 145 g (0.32 lb / 5.11 oz) and Canon PowerShot SD970 IS weighs 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz).

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      98 mm

      54 mm

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      96 mm

      57 mm

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      54 mm

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      57 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot SD960 IS and Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS and Canon PowerShot SD970 IS for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.0 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      GOOD
      71
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      71
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 145 g (0.32 lb / 5.11 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 145 g (0.32 lb / 5.11 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon PowerShot SD960 IS and Canon PowerShot SD970 IS and give them scores of 50 and 52 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      OVERALL
      50
      OVERALL
      52

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      POOR
      45
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      POOR
      45
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.8 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1600 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      BAD
      38
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      46
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

      Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

      AVERAGE
      55
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 145 g (0.32 lb / 5.11 oz)
      POOR
      54
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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