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Canon SD1200 IS Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Canon SD1200 IS

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    Main Features

    • 10MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 1600
    • 35-105 mm F2.8-4.9 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 2.5" Fixed Type Screen
    • Optical (tunnel) viewfinder
    • 1 fps continuous shooting
    • - 640 x 480 video
    • 160g. 86 x 55 x 22 mm
    • Also known as Digital IXUS 95 IS
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    Canon SD1200 IS Overview

    First introduced in February 2009 , Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS is a 10.0MP Small Sensor Compact camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 35-105 mm F2.8-4.9 lens. SD1200 IS is also sold as Digital IXUS 95 IS in some of the countries.

    Canon SD1200 IS Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Other Features
    8. Lens
    9. Photography Type Scores
    10. Alternatives
    11. Popular Comparisons
    12. Frequently Asked Questions
    13. Detailed Specifications

    Canon SD1200 IS has an Overall Score of 33/100 and ranked #400 out of 629 in Compact cameras (Top 10 Compact), and ranked #986 out of 1223 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Canon SD1200 IS Physical Specs
    Canon SD1200 IS weighs 160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz) and has external dimensions of 86 x 55 x 22 mm (3.39 x 2.17 x 0.87″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Canon SD1200 IS is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 22mm, it is also quite small, 6mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon SD1200 IS
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    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Compact Cameras

    Canon SD1200 IS
    Min
    Average
    Max

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon SD1200 IS, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon SD1200 IS Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Canon SD1200 IS Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Canon SD1200 IS with its main competitors:

    Canon SD1200 IS Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs SD1200 IS Thickness vs SD1200 IS
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Compare
    138g 22g lighter 24mm 2mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon ELPH 360 HS
    Compare
    147g 13g lighter 23mm 1mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon ELPH 180
    Compare
    126g 34g lighter 22mm equal thickness
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon SD1300 IS
    Compare
    140g 20g lighter 22mm equal thickness
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon ELPH 100 HS
    Compare
    140g 20g lighter 20mm 2mm thinner
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon ELPH 150 IS
    Compare
    142g 18g lighter 24mm 2mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon A3000 IS
    Compare
    165g 5g heavier 28mm 6mm thicker
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon ELPH 340 HS
    Compare
    147g 13g lighter 22mm equal thickness

    Weather Sealing

    Canon SD1200 IS doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Canon SD1200 IS Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon SD1200 IS has a 10.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 3648 x 2736 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. SD1200 IS has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 but unfortunately, Canon SD1200 IS doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Nikon Coolpix P7000 or Canon PowerShot S100 in the same price range.

    Canon SD1200 IS is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon SD1200 IS vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon SD1200 IS's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon SD1200 IS Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Canon SD1200 IS Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Canon SD1200 IS Lens

    Canon SD1200 IS features a 35-105 mm F2.8-4.9 3× zoom lens. With a focal length of only 35mm on the wide end, it offers very limited wide angle capability . However, 105mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

    Wide Coverage

    Compact Cameras

    SD1200 IS
    Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
    Average
    Telezoom

    Compact Cameras

    SD1200 IS
    Longest - Canon SX520 HS
    Average

    With a max aperture of f2.80, this lens is fast on wide end, but only moderately fast at the tele end with max aperture of f4.90.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Compact Cameras

    SD1200 IS
    Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Compact Cameras

    SD1200 IS
    Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
    Average

    SD1200 IS is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds.



    Canon SD1200 IS LCD and Viewfinder

    Canon SD1200 IS has a Fixed Type 2.5" LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. At only 2.5", the screen is on the smaller side and 230kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.



    Canon SD1200 IS back view and LCD

    SD1200 IS has a built-in Optical (tunnel) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor.

    Canon SD1200 IS Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Canon SD1200 IS has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Battery

    Canon SD1200 IS is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 260 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 255 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Compact Cameras

    Canon SD1200 IS
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm X30 with its 470shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Compact cameras. Check the comparison of Canon SD1200 IS vs Fujifilm X30 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Canon SD1200 IS Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 190shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon ELPH 360 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 180shots Yes No Yes
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon ELPH 180
    Compare
    1280 x 720 220shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon SD1300 IS
    Compare
    640 x 480 shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon ELPH 100 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 230shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon ELPH 150 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 230shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon A3000 IS
    Compare
    640 x 480 shots No No No
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Canon ELPH 340 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1280 190shots Yes No Yes

    Canon SD1200 IS Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Canon SD1200 IS can shoot continuously at max speed of 1 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/1500 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately SD1200 IS doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Canon SD1200 IS features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

    Canon SD1200 IS also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Canon SD1200 IS PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Canon SD1200 IS review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    160g Light Body
    Fast 2.80 Lens at Wide
    Report a correction

    Buy Canon SD1200 IS from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No RAW Shooting
    Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 1.600
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Small LCD Screen ( 2.5")
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    1/1500s Low Max Shutter Speed
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Low Battery Life: 260 shots
    No Manual Focusing
    No Manual Exposure
    No Environmental Sealing
    35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
    Optical Zoom only 3.0X
    Slow Lens at Tele: f4.90
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Canon SD1200 IS Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon SD1200 IS in 5 different photography areas.

    Canon SD1200 IS for Portrait Photography

    Canon SD1200 IS has a score of 27 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSD1200 IS.
    Image Stabilization
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
    No RAW shooting capability
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SD1200 IS for Portrait Photography

    Canon SD1200 IS for Street Photography

    Canon SD1200 IS has a score of 60 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
    Small Body
    No Manual Focus Mode
    35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SD1200 IS for Street Photography

    Canon SD1200 IS for Sports Photography

    Canon SD1200 IS has a score of 19 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSD1200 IS.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1500s
    9 Focus Points
    Poor Battery Life: 260 shots
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No External Flash Shoe
    105 mm Tele Lens
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SD1200 IS for Sports Photography

    Canon SD1200 IS for Daily Photography

    Canon SD1200 IS has a score of 55 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Compact Body
    160g
    Body Thickness 22mm
    3.0X Optical Zoom
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SD1200 IS for Daily Photography

    Canon SD1200 IS for Landscape Photography

    Canon SD1200 IS has a score of 18 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theSD1200 IS.
    No Manual Exposure Mode
    No Manual Focus Mode
    35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Canon SD1200 IS for Landscape Photography
    Canon SD1200 IS Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon SD1200 IS compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon SD1200 IS alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon SD1200 IS

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon SD1200 IS amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Canon ELPH 190 IS
    Compare
    Canon ELPH 360 HS
    Canon ELPH 360 HS
    Compare
    Canon ELPH 180
    Canon ELPH 180
    Compare
    Canon SD1300 IS
    Canon SD1300 IS
    Compare
    Canon ELPH 100 HS
    Canon ELPH 100 HS
    Compare
    Canon ELPH 150 IS
    Canon ELPH 150 IS
    Compare
    Canon A3000 IS
    Canon A3000 IS
    Compare
    Canon ELPH 340 HS
    Canon ELPH 340 HS
    Compare

    Canon SD1200 IS Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Canon SD1200 IS with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Canon SD1200 IS's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon SD1200 IS
    Does the Canon SD1200 IS have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon SD1200 IS have RAW support?
    Does the Canon SD1200 IS have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon SD1200 IS have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon SD1200 IS?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon SD1200 IS?
    is the Canon SD1200 IS a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon SD1200 IS have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon SD1200 IS have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon SD1200 IS?
    What is the Weight of Canon SD1200 IS?
    What are the Dimensions of Canon SD1200 IS?
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS
    Also known as Digital IXUS 95 IS
    Announced 2009-02-18
    Body Type Compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 35-105 mm (3×)
    Max Aperture F2.8-4.9
    Macro Focus Range 3cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 2.5"
    Screen Resolution 230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (tunnel)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 15s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/1500s
    Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation n/a
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 3.50 m
    Flash Modes Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 10 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 3648 x 2736
    Max Native ISO 1,600
    Min Native ISO 80
    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 9
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 640 x 480
    Video Formats Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 160g
    Physical Dimensions 86 x 55 x 22mm
    Battery Life 260 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model NB-6L
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2, 10, Custom, Face)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HD MMCplus
    Storage Slots 1


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