Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

	Canon SD970 Comparison
	Design & Handling	Page 12 of 16	Nikon S630 Comparison

Both of these Canon models come from the SD line of PowerShots, and share a fair amount in common. Both have a similar feel, and menu system, as well as identical megapixel counts, ISO ranges, and shooting modes. That said, they seem to be aimed at slightly different areas of the market. The more expensive SD970 is substantially bulkier, but has a much more comfortable button scheme (including a nice little scroll wheel), and a few more settings and features than the streamlined SD780. We liked the large buttons and interface on the SD970, especially compared to the absolutely tiny controls of the SD780, however it's surprising that the smaller model has an optical viewfinder where the larger doesn't.

Both cameras were solid performers in our lab testing, though with different strengths. The SD970 scored better for color accuracy, image stabilization, shot to shot speed, and video sharpness. The sleeker SD780 outperformed the SD970 in image noise, resolution (especially sharpness), and video color. There's no clear victor between the two, and if you're trying to decide which of these models to get, one would probably have to rely on non-performance based questions. Is the small size of the SD780 worth the small controls? Are the extra features of the SD970 worth the $100 price difference? If you're looking for the most "hands-off" camera, that you can take with you anywhere, and looks good, then the SD780 may be for you. On the other hand, the SD970 puts a bit more control in the hands of the user, but also adds some bulk.

	Comparison Scores
	Canon PowerShot SD780 IS	Canon PowerShot SD970 IS
Price	$279.99	$379.99
Color	9.43	12.70
Noise	11.28	9.69
Resolution	15.18	12.57
Image Stabilization	0.55	8.13
Shot to Shot	0.78	1.08
Video Color	11.27	10.10
Video Sharpness	3.21	5.32