• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 185.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 26.00mm - 182.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon SD970 IS advantages over Nikon S3500

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 270 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    461k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon S3500 advantages over Canon SD970 IS

  • Less expensive
    $140 vs $380 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lighter weight
    129g vs 189g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    26 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.1 fps vs 1.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SD970 IS

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S3500
Nikon S3500
All S3500 Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon SD890 IS

Canon SD970 IS
Canon SD890 IS
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Canon SD970 IS vs Canon SD890 IS

Nikon S3500
Canon SD890 IS
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S3500 vs Canon SD890 IS

Compared to Panasonic DMC-TS1

Canon SD970 IS
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More dots on screen
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Wider angle lens
  • Longer exposure

Compare Canon SD970 IS vs Panasonic DMC-TS1

Nikon S3500
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S3500 vs Panasonic DMC-TS1

Compared to Sony DSC-W290

Canon SD970 IS
Sony DSC-W290
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compare Canon SD970 IS vs Sony DSC-W290

Nikon S3500
Sony DSC-W290
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S3500 vs Sony DSC-W290

Compared to Sony WX80

Canon SD970 IS
Sony WX80
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Canon SD970 IS vs Sony WX80

Nikon S3500
Sony WX80
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon S3500 vs Sony WX80

Compared to Canon 140 IS

Canon SD970 IS
Canon 140 IS
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon SD970 IS vs Canon 140 IS

Nikon S3500
Canon 140 IS
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure

Compare Nikon S3500 vs Canon 140 IS

Compare Other Cameras?