• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 185.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 364.3mm2
  • 19.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

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Differences

Canon SD970 IS advantages over Sigma sd Quattro

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    26 mm vs 90 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    189g vs 625g
    Lighter weight

Sigma sd Quattro advantages over Canon SD970 IS

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.33 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Newer
    8 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1620k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    19.6 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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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
Sigma sd Quattro
Canon SD890 IS
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash

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
Sigma sd Quattro
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash

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
Sigma sd Quattro
Sony DSC-W290
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash

Compared to Sony A3000

Canon SD970 IS
Sony A3000
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Sigma sd Quattro
Sony A3000
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • HDMI out
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Fujifilm X-H1

Canon SD970 IS
Fujifilm X-H1
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Sigma sd Quattro
Fujifilm X-H1
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • More dots on screen
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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