Panasonic TS2 vs Canon A1200 Comparison

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Panasonic TS2

14 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

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Canon A1200

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD Sensor

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Panasonic TS2 vs Canon A1200 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two cameras with different body types: Panasonic TS2, which was introduced in January 2010 is a Waterproof camera with a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor whereas Canon A1200, which was introduced in January 2011 is a Small Sensor Compact camera with a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor. There is only 11 months difference between TS2 and A1200 so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and technology level.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Panasonic TS2 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2010-01-26

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 6400

28-128 mm F3.3-5.9 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

2.7" Fixed Type Screen

2 fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

188g. 99 x 63 x 24 mm

Weather Sealed Body

Also known as Lumix DMC-FT2

Replaced Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 Compare

Canon A1200 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2011-01-05

12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 1600

28-112 mm F2.8-5.9 Zoom Lens

2.7" Fixed Type Screen

Optical (tunnel) viewfinder

1 fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

185g. 98 x 63 x 31 mm

Panasonic TS2 was replaced by Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 (Lumix DMC-FT2)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 vs Canon PowerShot A1200

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 over Canon PowerShot A1200

Image Stabilization	Optical vs None	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Max Sensor Resolution	14 MP vs 12 MP	16% more pixels
Max ISO	6.400 vs 1.600	300% higher Max ISO
Number of Focus Points	11 vs 9	2 more focus points
Continuous Shooting	2.0fps vs 1.0fps	1 fps faster
Environmental Sealing	Yes vs No	shoot at tough conditions
Focal Length - Tele	128mm vs 112mm	16 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	4.6× vs 4×	more flexible focal coverage
Flash Coverage	5.1m vs 4.0m	1.1m longer range

Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot A1200 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2

Viewfinder	Optical vs None	Better framing and control
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs No	very handy for portraits
Max Mech. Shutter	1/1600s vs 1/1300s	faster mechanical shutter
Weight	185 g vs 188 g	3 g lighter
Max Aperture - Wide	2.80 vs 3.30	faster lens at wide
Sensor Pixel Area	2.34µm² vs 1.98µm²	18% larger pixel area

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 and Canon PowerShot A1200

Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light

Common Weaknesses of Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 and Canon PowerShot A1200

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs No	No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe	No vs No	Not suitable for flash photography
RAW Support	No vs No	Lower image quality
LCD Screen Size	2.7" vs 2.7"	Small display
LCD Screen Resolution	230k dots vs 230k dots	Low resolution screens
Continuous Shooting	2.0fps vs 1.0fps	Slow shooting speeds
Manual Focusing	No vs No	No manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure	No vs No	No manual exposure control
Max Aperture - Tele	5.90 vs 5.90	Slow lenses at tele

Panasonic TS2 vs Canon A1200: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic TS2 has external dimensions of 99 x 63 x 24 mm (3.9 x 2.48 x 0.94″) and weighs 188 g (0.41 lb / 6.63 oz) (including batteries). Canon A1200 has external dimensions of 98 x 63 x 31 mm (3.86 x 2.48 x 1.22″) and weighs 185 g (0.41 lb / 6.53 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200.

Comparison image of Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200.

Comparison image of Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200 Size and Weight - Back View

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Canon A1200 is 3g lighter than the Panasonic TS2 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

TS2

A1200

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

TS2

A1200

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 2.7".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Panasonic TS2 vs Canon A1200: Sensor Comparison

Panasonic TS2 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Venus Engine HD II processor. On the other hand, Canon A1200 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology processor.

Below you can see the TS2 and A1200 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200 Cameras

Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200 have almost the same sensor size so none of them has any significant advantage over other in providing control over depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Panasonic TS2 vs Canon A1200 Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic TS2 features a 28-128 mm F3.3-5.9 4.6× zoom lens whereas Canon A1200 features a 28-112 mm F2.8-5.9 4× zoom lens.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 28mm. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.80, Canon A1200 is faster than Panasonic TS2 at this focal length. On the tele end, Panasonic TS2 has 16mm longer reach than the Canon A1200. Both cameras has a max aperture of f5.90 at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

TS2

A1200

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

TS2

A1200

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

TS2

A1200

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

TS2

A1200

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Panasonic TS2 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Canon A1200 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Panasonic TS2 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Canon A1200 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Panasonic TS2 for Sports Photography

POOR

Canon A1200 for Sports Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Environmental Sealings
11 Focus Points
128 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1300s
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Optical Built-in Viewfinder
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1600s
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 200 shots
112 mm Tele Lens
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Panasonic TS2 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Canon A1200 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Compact Body
Environmental Sealings
188g
4.6X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Compact Body
185g
4.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Panasonic TS2 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Canon A1200 for Landscape Photography

POOR

28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Environmental Sealings
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details

28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Panasonic TS2 vs Canon A1200: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Panasonic TS2 and Canon A1200 scores compare:

Panasonic TS2

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #196 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #765 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Canon A1200

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #374 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #1050 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Panasonic TS2 is the clear winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Canon A1200 in all criteria. It has better general image quality, more features, more compact body and offers more value for the money

Canon A1200 vs Panasonic TS2 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2	Canon PowerShot A1200
Brand	Panasonic	Canon
Announced	2010-01-26	2011-01-05
Body Type	Compact	Compact
Sensor
Type	CCD	CCD
Size	1/2.3-inch	1/2.3-inch
Dimensions	6.08 x 4.56 mm	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area	27.72mm²	28.07mm²
Megapixels	14 megapixels	12 megapixels
Max Resolution	4320 x 3240	4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity	6,400 ISO	1,600 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	80 ISO	80 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	11	9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	28-128 mm (4.6×)	28-112 mm (4×)
Max Aperture	F3.3-5.9	F2.8-5.9
Macro Focus Range	5cm	3cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	2.7"	2.7"
Resolution	230k dots	230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	Optical (tunnel)
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/1300s	1/1600s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Optical	No
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	5.10 m	4.00 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	2.0 fps	1.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720	1280 x 720
Video Formats	AVCHD Lite	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	188g	185g
Dimensions	99 x 63 x 24mm	98 x 63 x 31mm
Battery Life	n/a	200 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction