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Canon PowerShot SD970 IS reviews
You can find here the most interesting reviews / ratings from the well-known expert sites about the Canon PowerShot SD970 IS Camera. Here are the reviewers:
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- 24 August 2009 - |
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- 0 |
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- 11 August 2009 - |
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- 4 |
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- 14 July 2009 - |
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- 4 |
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- 29 June 2009 - |
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- 0 |
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- 29 June 2009 - |
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- 3.5 |
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- 19 June 2009 - |
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- 0 |
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- 08 June 2009 - |
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- 0 |
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- 29 April 2009 - |
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- 0 |
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- 28 April 2009 - |
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- 4 |
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- 27 April 2009 - |
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- 4 |
DCResource 's conclusion / rating - 24 August 2009 |
“ If you're looking for a compact camera with a great LCD, pleasing photos, and plenty of point-and-shoot features, then it's definitely worth checking out the PowerShot SD970 IS Digital ELPH. If you like most of the features of the SD970 but want a wide-angle lens, then you may want to take a look at the upcoming PowerShot SD980 IS. You'll lose the high res LCD, but you'll gain a 24 - 120 mm lens. And don't forget the other cameras in the SD970's class, either ... ”
Complete review here
TrustedReviews 's conclusion / rating - 11 August 2009 |
“ The Canon IXUS 990 IS is undeniably a very good camera. The build quality is above any reproach, the handling and performance are excellent, and the range of advanced features is as good as anything else on the market. The optical image stabilisation is particularly effective. However it is very expensive even when compared to its few direct competitors and it is not without a few minor faults, particularly low-light focusing and unnatural skin tones... ”
TrustedReviews's rating: |
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- 4 |
Complete review here
DigitalTrends 's conclusion / rating - 14 July 2009 |
“ When it comes to point-and-shoot digicams it’s hard topping Canon’s better PowerShots. You’ll get fine snapshots but realize the SD970 IS is not the speediest camera on the block and if you’re into shutter speeds and f/stops this is not the right choice. The vast majority of casual photographers just want to aim-and-forget and the SD970 IS does a fine job for that task. You’ll like the colors and easy operation. You won’t be too thrilled with the videos on a big screen though. We’d like to see this newer camera selling for less than $299 but then again we’re inveterate bargain hunters. When it hits that price put it at the top of your list... ”
DigitalTrends's rating: |
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- 4 |
Complete review here
DPInterface 's conclusion / rating - 29 June 2009 |
“ The Canon PowerShot SD970 Digital ELPH continues the ‘large zoom’ Digital ELPH line for those who want above average zoom in a compact camera. The SD970 Digital ELPH features a new, sleeker design, a higher resolution 3 inch LCD screen but keeps the same 5X zoom lens as its predecessor. The 5X zoom lens packs more telephoto power than your typical compact camera but is unfortunately lacking on the wide-angle end. The aperture range of the lens isn’t that amazing either – the lens is ‘slow’ on the telephoto end.
I’m glad the SD970 Digital ELPH finally features a rear scroll wheel WITH tactile clicks – perhaps the clicks are subtle, but definitely more noticeable than on previous Canon cameras. The large 3 inch screen is sharp and nicely viewable in a variety of conditions. Whether you’re composing photos or ‘shaking’ your way through pictures in playback, you’ll find the screen’s resolution a nice step up from other compact cameras.
Besides the fancy design, the PowerShot SD970 Digital ELPH has a rather plain point-and-shoot feature set which comes with the usual handful of scene modes, face and blink detection, iContrast and Smart Auto mode. There are no manual controls with the exception of long shutter mode where you get to pick a slow shutter speed for night shots. Can’t we have manual controls in more Digital ELPH models instead of just one?
The Canon SD970 Digital ELPH has a vastly improved movie mode versus last year’s model. The camera can now take 720p resolution video clips at 30 FPS with sound. And it’s not only that – the camera now uses a more efficient recording codec so movies now take up less space on your memory card. Optical image stabilization and digital zoom are available when recording videos, but I’d still like to see optical zoom usable on the next Canon compact please.
Performance of the SD970 Digital ELPH was ‘typically Canon’. Focusing and start up were both quick, and using a high-speed card, the camera waits for you – not the other way round. Shot-to-shot times were very good since the camera writes photos quickly to the card but despite quick write and processing times, continuous shooting frame rate was underwhelming, due to the large images that the imaging sensor has to output
In terms of image quality, the Canon PowerShot SD970 does pretty well with bright colors and low noise. The only issue is the camera’s noise reduction kicks in at ISO 400 onwards and starts smudging details in photos. You’re limited to ISO 800 if you want usable images out of the camera, well, preferably you should stick to ISO 400 and save ISO 800 for emergencies. Other aspects of image quality are good – low lens distortion, redeye removal that works and decent edge sharpness.
In conclusion, the Canon PowerShot SD970 Digital ELPH is a nice little compact camera with more zoom than you’d typically expect. The SD970 Digital ELPH deserves my recommendation, though its biggest feature; the 5X zoom lens can be a love-hate thing. It’s appealing to those who crave telephoto zoom power… yet a turn-off for those who want wide-angle for indoor/people shots... ”
DPInterface's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
CNET UK 's conclusion / rating - 29 June 2009 |
“ The model number and the price put the Canon Digital IXUS 990 IS near the top of the range, but that doesn't automatically mean it's the best camera in the line. You can get pretty much the same specs in the smaller and cheaper 110 IS, as well as a more practical 4x wideangle zoom... ”
Complete review here
DigitalCameraInfo 's conclusion / rating - 19 June 2009 |
“ The Canon PowerShot SD970 isn't a standout camera, but it's a solid effort from a reliable manufacturer. With the exception of burst-mode shooting, which is pretty pokey at 1 shot per second, there wasn't an area where the Canon received low marks in our lab testing, Still and video quality (at a high-def 720p resolution) were both very good, with only minimal flaws that won't be distracting when viewed at at any typical size. The camera is mostly easy to handle, though we did have trouble keeping our fingers out of the way of the top-mounted microphone when shooting videos. The combination of a fast-scrolling control dial and a traditional four-way controller offers a winning combination of speedy navigation when you want it and precision.movement when you need it.
Our disappointments were few, but worth considering. We applaud the solid metal construction, but it does result in a slightly hefty camera. More problematic, the SD970 is over an inch deep, making it less pocket-friendly than other, similarly equipped cameras. We welcome the telephoto range (equivalent to about 185mm on a 35mm camera) on a camera this size, but wished for more wide-angle coverage than the 37mm-equivalent lens provides. At f/3.2, it's on the slow side as well, limiting available light options. And while the intended audience is clearly the point-and-shoot crowd, with a $380 pricetag, manual exposure, aperture-priority and shutter-priority modes would have been appropriate... ”
DigitalCameraInfo's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
DigitalCameraReview 's conclusion / rating - 08 June 2009 |
“ Canon announced the SD970 IS and nine other compact digitals this past February, and if our review model is any indicator of the quality and performance of the others, Canon's got a batch of winners on their hands. The SD970 IS would seem to appeal to folks primarily interested in capturing images without too much effort on their part, as the lack of manual exposure controls leaves user inputs rather limited, but shutter and AF performance are good and image quality and color fidelity are first rate. It's not too big a stretch to believe that good performance and image quality may trump the desire for manual controls (or a RAW shooting option) in the minds of many more "hands-on" types looking for a camera in this class.
There's not much to dislike with the SD970 IS. The 37mm wide angle isn't all that wide, so users will have to get further away from large subjects to get them all in the frame. On the other hand, the 5x zoom translates that 37mm into 185mm at the telephoto end, which helps get you a bit closer to distant subjects than most others in the class. And, as Canon is quick to point out in their ad copy, that 12.1 megapixel sensor offers "amazing resolution and editing" possibilities that effectively make that 185mm shoot even longer than it is.
OK, some folks may cover the flash with their finger(s) until they get a feel for the camera, and full discharge flashes can seem like they take forever to recharge as the timer ticks closer to 10 seconds. The microphone in video mode doesn't handle wind very well and you'll swear that 5 to 7 knot breeze is really more like Category 5, but think of the dubbing possibilities that open up.
Bottom line: this is an excellent camera overall and one that would be on my short list were I in the market for something of this class... ”
DigitalCameraReview's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
Steves Digicams 's conclusion / rating - 29 April 2009 |
“ Leading the way for Canon's PowerShot SD line is the new SD970. This compact digicam sports a 5x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization, Digic 4 image processor, 3-inch PureColor II LCD screen, 720p HD movie mode with HDMI output, i-Contrast technology, Face detection software with a face detection self timer and a whole slew of other built-in features to assist you while shooting. Canon has also given this camera a new menu style, which works the same as the old one, but is more informative when the "hints and tips" option is turned on in the setup menu.
Although it isn't the smallest or lightest camera in the ELPH lineup, it easily fits into a small bag or large pocket. Using one or two hands, this camera can be easily held or operated by anyone. The new button design on the back of the camera is not only stylish but very easy to use as well. With the informative menu system and rotary dial around the 4-way controller, it is simple to navigate and adjust the camera settings. Framing and viewing your images is done on the new 3-inch PureColor II LCD screen. With 461,000 dots, this is the highest resolution LCD that you will find on a PowerShot model. Featuring an anti-glare coating and 5 levels of brightness, you will have no trouble viewing this screen in any lighting conditions, including direct sunlight
Bottom Line - This year's top of the line Digital ELPH, the PowerShot SD970 IS, is easy enough for anyone in the family to use while providing enough power and creative features to keep the novice photographer satisfied. Features like the 5x optical zoom, 12-Megapixel imaging sensor, Optical Image Stabilization and HD movie mode make the MSRP of US$379.99 worth the money if you are looking for a little extra power in your pocket... ”
Steves Digicams's rating: |
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- 0 |
Complete review here
Pocket-lint 's conclusion / rating - 28 April 2009 |
“ If you must have a compact camera but need lots of pixels and a decent zoom then the 990IS is certainly a top performer. The range of functions and features is good and it’s easy to use. Image quality is very good with very little to be concerned about in that department.
Our only real worry with the Canon is the price. It’s a big chunk of cash for a compact camera. A DSLR isn’t that much more, in some cases, less, and you’ll get better output and more control. If that’s not important to you and you just want a really well specified compact camera then the Canon would be a good choice... ”
Pocket-lint's rating: |
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- 4 |
Complete review here
PhotographyBLOG 's conclusion / rating - 27 April 2009 |
“ The Canon Digital IXUS 990 IS camera is a sound addition to the now extensive IXUS / Elph range, but it doesn't quite offer enough to justify its rather high price tag. $379.99 / £379.00 is a lot of money to pay for what is essentially a point-and-shoot compact, albeit one that's stylish, full-featured, yet still easy to use for the beginner. It also suffers in direct comparison with its predecessor, the IXUS 980 IS, which is still available and offers a lot more to the more experienced photographer, including full manual shooting mode, a live histogram, manual focusing and even more megapixels. If you're looking for a pocket camera to supplement your DSLR, then the 980 IS is clearly the IXUS model to go for. Indeed, in the US, the IXUS 990 IS is called the SD970 IS Digital Elph and is positioned below the older SD980 model, a reflection of its rather different feature set.
In its favour, the Canon Digital IXUS 990 IS does offer a longer 5x, 37-185mm lens and excellent higher-resolution 460,000 dot, 3 inch screen. As with the 980 IS camera, though, the 37mm equivalent wide-angle doesn't seem enough these days when competitors are releasing cameras with 25mm lenses. Also the extensive corner softness and barrel distortion at the 37mm setting effectively mean that you are best off using this camera in the telephoto range. The IXUS 990 IS also suffers from less than stellar images in low-light due to obvious noise appearing at ISO 200 and faster, and the slow continuous shooting speed of 1.0fps is also disappointing. The 1280x720 pixel HD Movie mode promises to tip the balance in the 990's favour, but it quickly fills up your memory card thanks to the space-hungry Quicktime format, suffers from the usual muffled mono sound, and worst of all doesn't allow the zoom to be used during recording.
So overall, the new Canon Digital IXUS 990 IS falls between two camps - it's too expensive for the casual snapper, and doesn't offer enough advanced features for the pros looking for a second pocket camera. It's undoubtedly a really nice camera to use, and therefore still easy to recommend, but there are better and cheaper alternatives, including from Canon themselves... ”
PhotographyBLOG's rating: |
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- 4 |
Complete review here
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