Latest – Review and Sample Photos by TechTree (added 10 November’08)
Canon Powershot SD890 IS / IXUS 970 IS is 10 megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera that features, 5x optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, face detection, and an ISO range from80 to 1600.
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Read More Reviews – (updated 10 November’08)
TechTree
“It delivers above average results and works well in most conditions. But it has it’s share of shortcoming too, like the awkward On/Off button, the odd Control Dial, and the inaccurate optical viewfinder.”
Rating: 
InfoSync
“The controls are fairly standard, but the design could have been organized a bit better, with more sensitive control of the menus. We occasionally found ourselves using the auto mode because clicking the mode wheel into place was easier than using the scroll wheel to choose between the 11 scene modes.”
Rating: 
DCResource has reviewed the Canon Powershot SD890 IS / IXUS 970 IS and they write -
“Photo quality was very good in most situations. The SD890 generally took well-exposed photos, with pleasing, vivid colors. Sharpness was “just right”, save for the corners, which can sometimes be blurry (a common issue on compact cameras). Images are nearly noise free through ISO 400 in good light, though low light performance wasn’t nearly as impressive.”
Overall, Review was Favorable: 
PCMag has reviewed the Canon Powershot SD890 IS / IXUS 970 IS and they write -
“The SD890 IS is responsive enough, but it’s not going to set any records. Boot-up time is fine at 2.7 seconds. Recycle time is decent at 2.98 seconds, though the SD890’s shutter lag, at 1.4 seconds, was a bit disappointing.”
Rating:
DevHardware has reviewed the Canon Powershot SD890 IS / IXUS 970 IS and they write -
“Overall, the SD890 is a highly powerful, versatile camera for any casual user who wants to take quality photographs. It may prove a little less valuable to anyone who is looking for a basic point-and-shoot camera to quickly shoot a scene. The camera is excellent quality and moderately priced; you cannot go wrong with the purchase of a powerful and stylish Canon PowerShot SD890 IS.”
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StevesDigicams has reviewed the Canon Powershot SD890 IS / IXUS 970 IS and they write -
“A plastic body gives the Canon PowerShot SD890 IS Digital ELPH a slightly different look and feel from any other ELPH model so far. On the inside, however, not much has changed. The camera is still incredibly easy to operate, and the quality is what you would expect from a high-end consumer model. The 5x optical zoom and the 10-megapixel imaging sensor are the largest you will find so far on an ELPH. With a price of US$400 or less, this is a good camera, but we feel it’s a bit pricey.”
Overall, Review was Favorable:
Imaging-Resource has reviewed the Canon Powershot SD890 IS / IXUS 970 IS and they write -
“Although only average in autofocus and timing performance, the Canon SD890 IS delivers better high ISO capabilities than most of the competition. High ISO quality combined with the highly effective image stabilization system will help ensure that low-light and indoor photographers will get their shots, and be able to make good prints, too.”
Overall, Review was Favorable:
TigerTV has a video review of the Canon Powershot SD890 IS / IXUS 970 IS -
Rating:
DigitalCameraReview has reviewed the Canon Powershot SD890 IS / IXUS 970 IS and they write -
“While the SD890 remains a solid camera, there are still some bugbears lurking that I wish Canon had driven out this time around. Flash recycle is quickly becoming a persistent issue for Canon’s smaller cameras it seems, and with full-power recycle times getting dangerously close to the notorious ten-second mark with the latest model, I’m left a bit baffled as to what the hang-up is. In fairness, the SD890 comes in at the low end of average in this regard, but so have the last several SD cameras; some improvements, however slight, would be a nice gesture on Canon’s part. The SD890’s processing choices are also pure Canon, with sharpness and saturation choices that some will continue to lament as too much.”
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CNET has reviewed the Canon Powershot SD890 IS / IXUS 970 IS and they write -
“Overall, the SD890 IS’ photo quality just tips over the fence from above average to excellent, mostly because of the great color and usable high ISO shots under many conditions. It’s not the best lens–the photos generally look a bit soft and there’s some fringing on edges–but the camera renders good exposures with accurate, saturated colors. It captures very nice 30fps VGA movies–at a file size of almost 2MB per second it had better–but you can’t zoom the lens while recording, which seriously decreases the usefulness.”
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Cameras.co.uk has reviewed the Canon Powershot SD890 IS / IXUS 970 IS and they write -
“If you are looking for a stylish digital camera that takes a good snapshot this camera is as good as any. It has a bit more quality than most similar digital cameras. Build quality and picture quality really stand out.”
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RegHardware has reviewed the Canon Powershot SD890 IS and they write -
“The Ixus 970 performs well, but then so do many cameras at this price point. We’re not sure about the new design, and nor are we that thrilled with the features, even with a 5x optical zoom. On paper, the feature set looks pretty decent, but the lack of manual control and a wider angle setting at the smaller end of the focal range is a letdown. The Ixus 970 isn’t bad – but we were rather hoping for something a little more exciting from Canon.”
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CNET Australia has reviewed the Canon Powershot SD890 IS and they write -
“Compared to the slick angles and chic lines of recent IXUS’, the bubbly, bulbous curves of the Canon Digital IXUS 970 IS have us nonplussed. We hate to judge a camera just on its looks, but the lack of features don’t give us much choice. Still, if you’ve fallen in love with this cheery snapper, you haven’t wasted your money.”
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TrustedReviews has reviewed the Canon Powershot SD890 IS and they write -
“The Canon Digital IXUS 970 IS is a logical progression in specification from the earlier IXUS models, and its list of features is impressive. Build quality, performance and image quality are certainly up to the usual standard, and the extended zoom range is very useful. However the awful handling and horribly designed controls limit the appeal of what could have been an outstanding if rather expensive camera. Compared to other models in the same range it is a bit of a disappointment.”
Rating:
Pocket-lint reviews the Canon Powershot SD890 IS and they write -
“Canon has worked over the 950 IS issues and certainly improved them here, if not to the degree one might expect. Particularly good is the fast flash recycling, which is to be applauded, the screen’s a little gem and the new lens while still slightly soft helps get the most from the pixels on offer.”
Rating:
Actual Owner Feedback
“Had previously owned a Kodak V1003, but this camera is 3 times the camera that one was. Great pictures, easy editing, great software, both LCD and veiw finder, and small size. Would definately recommend it to anyone looking for a good little camera.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“I am very happy with the purchase of this camera. I got a good price for a brand new camera. It was delivered very fast. I am still learning how to use the camera better. There are a lot of different functions. So far it takes great pictures. It has amazing zoom.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“The image stabilizer really helps with my shaky hand and the face detection thing is pretty cool too. I’m totally a novice photographer, so I just wanted a basic camera that takes nice pictures…and this does the trick for me.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“My only complaint (as others have mentioned) is I don’t care for the wheel in choosing scenes, etc. It’s either too slow or too quick. That’s about my only complaint with this great camera.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“Picture quality is great. Took a little time getting familiar with the various settings compared to my old point and shoot. The 5X optical telephoto is nice. Battery life is very good. Lots of features and still easily fits in my pocket.”
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
“I find it takes great pictures, and so far the image stabilization feature has given me excellent and sharp pictures, even at low light levels. “
Portion of user comment on Amazon.com
Sample Photos
[Sample Photos at TechTree]
[Sample Photos at DCResource]
[Sample Photos at DevHardware]
[Sample Photos at StevesDigicams]
[Sample Photos at Imaging-Resource]
[Sample Photos at CNET]
[Sample Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample Photos at RegHardware]
[Sample Test Photos at TrustedReviews]
[Sample Test Photos at Pocket-lint]
[Sample Test Photos at Canon]
Specifications
[Official Canon Specifications]
Owners Manual
Press Release
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 13 March, 2008: Canon today announces a powerful new addition to its Digital IXUS range of stylish compact cameras. The 10 Megapixel Digital IXUS 970 IS features a brand new 5x optical zoom lens – the longest ever zoom in the range – together with an enhanced version of Canon’s lens-shift type optical Image Stabilizer (IS).
The Digital IXUS 970 IS also features Motion Detection Technology, which works in tandem with IS to reduce blur caused by subject motion and camera shake. Face Detection Technology with Face Select & Track and Face Detection White Balance is also included. These features provide accurate, natural-looking people shots in all situations. As with all Digital IXUS models in the first half of 2008, auto focus is enhanced for darker conditions; it is now effective in situations approximately 1-stop darker than was possible in previous models.
A bright, clear 2.5” PureColor LCD II screen and new Multi Control Dial enhance the user experience, offering a greater degree of convenience. Thanks to Canon’s optical expertise, all these improvements have been made without sacrificing the iconic design that has made Digital IXUS the ultimate style camera brand.
“With its 5x zoom, the Digital IXUS 970 IS brings a new level of performance to Canon’s leading design brand,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “Once again Canon is using its optical expertise to deliver powerful compact cameras in effortless style.”
Features:
* Uncompromising Digital IXUS style and build quality
* 10.0 Megapixel image sensor
* 5x optical zoom lens
* Enhanced lens-shift type optical Image Stabilizer (IS) delivering a 4-stop advantage
* High ISO Auto with Motion Detection Technology
* Face Detection Technology now with White Balance and Face Select & Track
* Automatic Red-Eye Correction in shooting and playback
* DIGIC III¹ with Noise Reduction Technology
* 2.5” PureColor LCD II plus optical viewfinder (OVF)
* Enhanced auto focus performs at up to 1-stop darker
* Multi Control Dial
* 18 shooting modes including new Sunset mode and My Colors photo effects
* Extensive movie options including VGA 30fps, Long Play and Time Lapse movie modes
* Optional accessories include Soft Case and High Powered Flash
* Easy printing with PictBridge and quick print order settings in playback mode
New zoom lens
The Digital IXUS 970 IS features a brand new 5x optical Image Stabilizer zoom lens, delivering a greater zoom reach than any previous Digital IXUS. Thanks to a comprehensive redesign by Canon’s optical engineers, the lens has a new four-group configuration incorporating UA (Ultra-high refractive index Aspherical) lens elements. UA elements help to provide the gain in zoom power, and ensure that a compact size and straight optical pathway are maintained, for easy usability and optimum image quality.
Enhanced optical Image Stabilizer
The Digital IXUS 970 IS optimises performance with its enhanced optical
Image Stabilizer (IS). The lens-shift type IS improves on the systems used in previous Digital IXUS models, now delivering a 4-stop advantage, an increase of 1 stop. The extra stop allows photographers to use shutter speeds twice as long when shooting hand held, and obtain blur-free shots. The enhanced IS also reduces the blur caused by camera shake when shooting at the telephoto end of the camera’s 5x optical zoom improves performance in low-light, enabling shots in conditions where no shot would have been possible before. This enhanced low-light capability is aided by improvements to the camera’s auto focus; AF is now capable of achieving focus in conditions of up to approximately 1 stop darker.
A touch of class
Building on the Digital IXUS ‘perpetual curve’ design, the Digital IXUS 970 IS slopes gently back towards the grip. Its two-tone finish gives a precise contrast of matte silver with muted gloss and glossy metallic, for an elegant sheen. The overall effect is one of understated individuality, complementing the camera’s discreet photographic power.
Bye-bye to blur – Motion Detection Technology
Activated in High ISO Auto, Canon’s intelligent Motion Detection Technology works to eliminate motion blur. When camera shake or moving subjects are detected, the system automatically provides an ISO boost between ISO 80-800 – counteracting motion blur to improve action shots and night snaps, without compromising shots where no ISO boost is needed. The technology intelligently combines inputs from Face Detection Technology, the optical Image Stabilizer, changes in scene brightness and changes from frame to frame to identify the subject and detect motion.
Enhanced Face Detection Technology
Equally comprehensive is Canon’s approach to Face Detection Technology. The Digital IXUS 970 IS includes Face Select & Track, which allows you to select a single face from a crowd of up to 35 detected faces. The optimum focus, exposure, flash and – for the first time – white balance will then be set for that face, tracking the subject as they move around the frame.
Canon’s Red-Eye Correction draws on Face Detection Technology to eliminate red-eye from photographs. Whenever a face is detected in a shot, red-eye is checked for. It can either be removed automatically whilst shooting or in playback mode. New AF Point Zoom allows the photographer to magnify the AF frame when the shutter button is pressed half way, so that facial expressions can be checked before shooting.
As well as powering features such as Face Detection Technology, Canon’s DIGIC III image processor enables quick response times and fast buffering speeds. The processor also incorporates advanced Noise Reduction Technology for excellent image quality at high ISO settings.
Intuitive ergonomics, easy menus
The Digital IXUS 970 IS is made for intuitive use. From the moment the camera is powered up, the 230,000 dot high resolution 2.5” PureColor LCD II screen provides an easy way to frame up shots and navigate the easy-use menu system. PureColor LCD II offers a number of benefits over conventional LCD screens, including improved colour contrast for enhanced visibility, a wide viewing angle for easy shooting and instant image sharing, anti-glare coatings for viewing under bright light and anti-scratch coatings. Additional photo framing options are provided by the camera’s Optical Viewfinder (OVF). The Digital IXUS 970 IS includes a Multi Control Dial for the first time in the range. This wheel enables the user to change camera settings and scene modes quickly, as well as offering intuitive navigation of menus and convenient image browsing in playback.
A host of features enables users to enhance their shooting options. Users can choose from a range of 18 shooting modes, including Special Scene modes that automatically optimise camera settings for common shooting subjects.
The Digital IXUS 970 IS features new Sunset scene mode for the optimum capture of this tricky subject. Movie options include Long Play (LP) mode, which uses only half the memory of standard movies, and Time Lapse movie for the creation of fun and atmospheric accelerated film clips.
Several menu features also let users manipulate their images in-camera, without the need for computer software. The Trimming function offers image trimming to predetermined sizes. This function is integrated with Face Detection Technology – if several faces are detected in frame users can jump between faces to create instant trimmed portraits. The Image Resize function enables users to create smaller image files by reducing the number recording pixels in larger images. The original image can then be deleted in order to save space on the memory card, leaving the new file an ideal size for e-mailing and uploading to the web.
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