• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 185.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 483.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon SD970 IS advantages over Samsung WB850F

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Samsung WB850F advantages over Canon SD970 IS

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    483 mm vs 185 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More dots on screen
    614k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    23 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • 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 Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

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
Samsung WB850F
Canon SD890 IS
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

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
Samsung WB850F
Panasonic DMC-TS1
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Longer exposure

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
Samsung WB850F
Sony DSC-W290
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung WB800F

Canon SD970 IS
Samsung WB800F
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • HDMI out
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Samsung WB850F
Samsung WB800F
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compared to Samsung Galaxy Camera 2

Canon SD970 IS
Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
  • $170
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
Samsung WB850F
Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
  • $467
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $600
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Compare Other Cameras?