Canon PowerShot SD1200IS 10 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD (Blue)

Comment

The SD1200 has some big changes over its predecessor SD1100, and is the smallest, best designed Elph Ive used thus far. Ive owned many models of Elph, this is my 6th or 7th, so my review is aimed especially at other serial Canon owners. I mostly compare the SD1200 to the SD1100. * The big changes: Digic4 and a larger CCD sensor. The slight increase in CCD size (1/2.3" vs 1/2.5") should make for "cleaner" photos. And Digic4 promises faster/cleaner shots also. * You get 10MP vs 8MP on the SD1100, and "medium" (M1) size is now 6MP. JPG quality is down to 2 setting: Fine or Normal. * SD1200 is only slightly smaller than the SD1100, but feels notably smaller by virtue of curved edges and the LCD being flush with the body (no bump-out). * The 1200 now feels as small as this design can shrink. Good news: my average-sized male hands can still comfortably hold it, barely not covering lens, flash, or resting on the LCD. But the round power-button is now almost too small to press if you had big fingers and no fingernails. * 1200s new battery is a higher capacity 1000mAh (vs ~760mAh for SD1100). Theres also a new charger (not compatible with the old batteries), a glossy white-colored model to blend into your wall. * The buttons and menus are streamlined. Theres now a button for review mode, pressing it a 2nd time takes you back to the previous state. Handy. The slider has dedicated AUTO and Manual settings, no longer need to use menus for that switch. * Continuous mode and ISO now are in the Function Menu (on the SD1100, they had dedicated buttons). * A SD card is no longer included. This makes sense to me, a 32MB card is barely useful, and with the downward pressure on electronics prices, I cant imagine Canon wanting to bundle a more expensive/bigger card. Some people will find this lack annoying. * The A/V output is gone, and the USB connector now serves both purposes (both kinds of included cables now have a USB-end) * A new version of Canon software is required for this model, Zoombrowser 6.3. Canon typically requires a new release for each new family/season of cameras. Unfortunately, the CameraWindow software has been intentionally dumbed-down in the 6.x software and no longer offers the options to delete your photos (have to go through the OS), nor to chose custom naming for the downloads. I say intentionally, since I asked Canon customer-support about it and they stated the changes were not bugs. The last Canon software to still have that functionality was 5.x, corresponding to the SD1000 and other cameras released that season. * In casual indoor tests, the 1200 seemed more ready to go to ISO400 (often too "noisy" to be useful) when the SD1100 would have chosen ISO200. * The SD1200 and SD1100 have identical specs on their optics. However, I noticed a more pronounced barrel-distortion on the 1200 at extreme wide-angle. (still only noticable in close-up shots of straight-edged items at wide-angle) * In a casual speed test, the SD1200 took/stored photos notably faster the SD1100 (same scene, continuous-mode, same brand SD card), despite the 1200s image size being larger. * Canons paper manuals have been shrinking steadily. With this model, the only manual included is a quick-start guide, the rest is on CD-ROM. * The packaging is even more efficient than before, about half the size of the SD1100s box. * Sadly, there is no HD video mode, although all of the other Elphs released this spring had HD. SD1200 owners are stuck with 640x480 video. Canon has several sub-series within the compact Elph line, varying mostly by asthetics and optics. The SD1200 is successor to the series that included the SD1100, SD1000, and SD600. These all favor a classic, slim design. If youre unfamiliar with Canons Powershot cameras, theres lots of good material out there on camera sites such as dpreview. In general, the small sensors and optics in all ultra-compact digital cameras lead to some optical quirks (such as barrelling), chromatic aberrations, over/under-exposure in bright sunlight/shade, and underpowered flashes. Thats intrinsic to the size of camera, and vendors try to correct these effects in their on-board processing. My opinion is that Canon does a good job of correcting for these issues and the Elphs including the SD1200 take very good photos for their size. Its questionable that a SD1100 owner would specifically find this a compelling upgrade other than the Digic4, but this is an excellent compact camera in all ways. Apart from the noteworthy quirks: the lack of HD and the limited features in the download software, this camera is Highly Recommended.

Show more

Comment

This camera is to replace the same model stolen when on vacation. My original camera was same model, except dark gray, purchased 3 years ago. After the theft, I immediately went on Amazon to replace it with the same model. Unfortunately, since this model is 3 years old, I was unable to afford the camera in the dark gray color. The prices for a new camera in that color were twice what I had paid for the original camera! So I compromised and settled for a new blue camera in the same model, which had a reasonable price. The camera is perfect, and works just as well as the original. It is tiny in size, and will fit into my shirt pocket, even inside its little case. It takes great shots, even if I shake the camera a bit! And there is an optical viewfinder, in addition to the digital screen. I cant find anything I DONT like about the camera, except that because of its size, I suppose it is easier to lose or get stolen. I like the camera model so well, that after receiving this camera, I bought another one, same model, except used, and I am also pleased with it! Though the camera does not come with a memory card, they are quite inexpensive now. Love the camera! And also pleased with the supplier!

Show more

Comment

We bought this camera to replace our aging 5 mp camera. My picture taking ability is amateur. This camera makes me look like I know what I am doing. If is simple point-and-shoot you want, this camera is for you. If its more professional looking images you want, this camera is for you too. One switch changes the automatic, manual and video mode. One definate plus- Once the manual settings are done the camera will remember them. Even if the camera is turned off and on. This is helpful if there are two different people taking pictures during the day (I like the manual mode, my wife prefers the automatic). It has general settings like portrait, night snapshot, kids and pets, etc. But is also has specific settings like ISO,AWB,My colors (vivid,sepia etc.) and continus shot. Can be mounted on a tripod. The screen size is adequate and can be adjusted for brightness. The display button will show the on screen display, display off, or just the subject. The included CD is the manual and software (sorry no book). There is a small "getting started" booklet included. The software lets the user edit pictures before they are uploaded or after. Also included are the USB cable and video cable. I have not taken the time to fully evaluate the software but so far I am pleased. To give you perspective on how much memory you will need, we bought a 4 gigabyte card as well. On the highest resolution, this card can store over 1,400 pictures.The camera has no memory of its own. The size is a little smaller than I am used to. It is about the size of a credit card and a little thicker than a half an inch. One small con is to charge the battery, it must be taken out and snapped into the included wall charger. There is a "charge complete" light that lights when it is fully charged. From completely dead to full charge takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Battery life seems great but we have only taken about 25 pictures so far.

Show more

Comment

This is my fourth PowerShot/SureShot from Canon. I am hard on my cameras - I am a blogger so my camera is always in my bag, on my wrist, in my pocket. I need a camera that is reliable, small, and can take clear, quick photos and videos. When my last camera died a sad death from falling onto concrete, I knew I would come back to Canon. The only problem I have is that one reason I return to Canon is that over the years, I have accumulated plenty of batteries and chargers from dead cameras. The PowerShot SD1200IS does NOT have the same size battery as the previous Canon cameras. In fact, this battery isnt the same width as the Canon battery on my camcorder, my works camcorders or my husbands professional Canon cameras. I was really frustrated by this - I usually have a charger at work, one at home, have one available for travel in my bag. I also like to have an extra battery on hand for travel. With this camera, I would have to invest in all new equipment. That being said, this new battery holds charge for an incredibly long period of time. I take at least one photo per day, and around 5 short videos per week. I hadnt charged the battery in almost two weeks before I went to a 4-day music festival. For four days, I took almost 200 photos and 15 videos. The battery kept ticking through the whole event, no delay or slowing. The battery didnt start to die until a couple days after my return. I have never seen a battery last that long on any other camera! I find the body to be durable, more so than previous Canons I have bought. The latch for the batter/card slots is pretty sturdy, the buttons are flush against the back of the camera so they arent as likely to accidentally be pressed or scraped against something. Speaking of buttons, I find them to be very user friendly - similar to other Canon cameras, easy to figure out even in the dark. Pictures are clear, dont get wash out from the flash, even night photos come out well. Video works great - no complaints for the pricepoint of this camera!

Show more

Comment

I bought this camera back in 2009. I now do photography as a hobby, and my husband has bought me a more expensive camera, this camera works better. It takes great action shots of the kids. Its perfect for sports events!

Show more

Comment

I really like this camera. Im pretty loyal to my point and shoot cameras, but after losing some great shots because I ran out of film one vacation, I decided to check out digital cameras. After reading the reviews on the Canon PowerShot, I decided to take the plunge and have not been disappointed. Its small and easily fits inside my purse. Im still on a learning curve with all of its features, but its pretty cool. The on-line manual is very helpful, but I wish it came in a booklet. To find out about the different settings, you need to review the manual. Sometime when I have the inclination, Ill print it out. So far I have found it easy to use and my pictures have turned out really nice. I do have a tendency to move the camera when I take a picture so the stability control helps. Ive also used a suggestion from another user to set it to the Kids and Pets setting to help with subject movements. I have not had a problem with the buttons, but I do not have large hands. I am looking forward to taking this camera on my next vacation where Ill have an opportunity to try out the beach and aquarium settings. Along with the camera size and picture quality, I really like the fact that I can just set it on automatic or use the different settings. Its just a great little camera for me.

Show more

Comment

I converted some time back from the coolpix to the powershot SD900 then to the SD870IS and finally now to the SD1100 with all the advancements that two years of evolution should bring. The higher density brings some terrific pictures! Though at night with any back ground lighting you will have to do battle with the noise. The movies are much improved over the 870IS especially when zoomed but the quick draw point & shoot is a bit degraded as about 20% of pictures will be out of focus. This was not an issue with the two Cannon predecessors I owned? The power button is smaller which is a great safety improvement as my last camera was totaled when the power button was accidentally pushed on while in my pocket, the lens tried to extend in my pocket but could not thereby jamming -boom totaled camera. So by upgrading I get higher density shots with great quality especially zoom, better movies, even a more compact camera, but take double shots for the 20% that I plan may be out of focus. I dont know if its dynamic stabilization or electronic focus which is giving me trouble? Then again could be user error as I havent taken time to read the instruction book as I was already familiar with the earlier powershot models I owned. Would I recommend it? Sure, for the price its an impressive value.

Show more

Comment

I checked tons of professional reviews on different cameras and ended choosing this one because of the consistently good reviews it had. I definitely agree with all the good reviews. This camera is small, it has a nice size LCD, and even though I love the new bigger, touchscreen LCDs in some newer models, this camera has better image quality. It has automatic as well as manual settings and theyre easy to set up, and available right from the homescreen. For low light inside settings, the manual ISO settings work well, the picture does become a bit grainy on lower settings, but this is expected for this type of digital camera. I love the fact that it has a timer and the option to customize the time and number of shots as well. It has many extras such as slideshow, cropping and red eye correction all built into the camera. It also has optical image stabilization, which is better than digital stabilization. The video quality is decent, good for internet posting or emailing. This camera actually works excellent compared to most models in this price range, its very hard to find anything better unless youre willing to pay over $300. Plus, the battery life is extremely good, Ive taken over a thousand pictures and Im only on my 4th battery charge so far. Edited to add that this camera doesnt have any internal memory, so just keep that in mind. One more thing, with some Cannon printers, you have the option to connect the camera and print right from it without having to buy an additional dock and it has some extra features as well when used together.

Show more

Comment

I needed a replacement for my Nikon Coolpix point and shoot because I was getting annoyed with the blurry pictures. I bought the Nikon about 2 years ago because of its smaller footprint than the Canon point and shoots. However over the last 2 years, I have been fairly disappointed with the picture quality. Therefore I was looking around and after reading the reviews, I bought the 1200IS. I have been using it for about 3 weeks now and am very impressed as are other reviewers with the quality of the pictures for the price point. This is a very basic camera but it is perfect for a compact point and shoot. I would say that 5 out of 10 pictures on my old Nikon came out well. So far, I would say 8 out of 10 pictures on this Canon come out well! I would highly recommend this camera for anyone looking for a basic point and shoot that does not need some more of the advanced manual settings.

Show more

Comment

I love this camera. I at first had a it of a problem focusing on moving targets like fast moving kiddos, but have since mastered that. I use it all the time taking it on bicycle rides every weekend. I like the poratbility it fits perfectly in my pocket or bicycle bag. Once it even fell out of my bicycle bag landing on the asphault while doing a 50 mile ride but after I turned back and picked it up the only thing was the battery compartment popped open, the camera still worked and months later I have not had any problems. I bought my first Canon about 5 years ago it was very good and only upgraded becaseu my son pushed the zoom in by hand I bought the Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 for too much money and hated it so I found this camera and caught it on sale...perfecto...oh I picked the bright pink color because I am always losing things and it seem to be easier to find.

Show more