Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Canon SD970 IS and Olympus XZ-10 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon SD970 IS has external dimensions of 96 x 57 x 26 mm (3.78 x 2.24 x 1.02″) and weighs 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz) (including batteries). Olympus XZ-10 has external dimensions of 102 x 61 x 34 mm (4.03 x 2.41 x 1.35″) and weighs 221 g (0.49 lb / 7.80 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon SD970 IS and the Olympus XZ-10. Canon SD970 IS is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 6mm narrower, 4mm shorter and 8mm thinner than Olympus XZ-10.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Canon SD970 IS is significantly lighter (61g ) than the Olympus XZ-10 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon PowerShot SD970 IS / Digital IXUS 990 IS nor Olympus Stylus XZ-10 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Canon SD970 IS and Olympus XZ-10's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.