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 SD980 IS and Canon SD1200 IS side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon SD980 IS has external dimensions of 100 x 53 x 23 mm (3.94 x 2.09 x 0.91″) and weighs 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz) (including batteries). Canon SD1200 IS has external dimensions of 86 x 55 x 22 mm (3.39 x 2.17 x 0.87″) and weighs 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon SD980 IS and the Canon SD1200 IS. Canon SD1200 IS is 14mm narrower and 1mm thinner than Canon SD980 IS but it is also 2mm taller.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Canon SD980 IS and Canon SD1200 IS.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Canon SD980 IS is 10g lighter than the Canon SD1200 IS but we don't think this will make a significant difference.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon PowerShot SD980 IS / Digital IXUS 200 IS nor Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS (Digital IXUS 95 IS) 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 SD980 IS's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Canon SD1200 IS's 2.5" screen.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.