Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS

Discontinued

Reviewed

May 2010

Pros

Ultra-compact size
Face detection and face tracking technology
Optical viewfinder
Fast shutter speeds

Cons

Noisy images above ISO 200
Short 3x optical zoom lens
Flat buttons can be hard to press

Where to Buy

for $262.99

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For someone buying their first camera or upgrading from an older camera, the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS can be a great, compact choice according to reviews. It's nearly identical to its predecessor, the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS, which receives a number of raves from professionals and owners alike. The PowerShot SD1200 IS has a lot to offer, including a 10-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom with image stabilization, a 2.5-inch LCD and optical viewfinder, smart auto mode and the latest Canon image processor, which enables face tracking and higher picture quality. Like the PowerShot SD1100 IS, it is slim and lightweight, plus it's available in several eye-popping colors. CNET's Joshua Goldman says "if all you're after is a good-looking, go-everywhere, pocket camera, the SD1200 is pretty great," a statement that perfectly illustrates the camera's appeal.

Reviews of the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS can be found at tech publications like CNET and InfoSyncWorld.com, as well as at photography sites such as Steves-Digicams.com and DigitalCameraReview.com. User reviews at Amazon.com and CanonUSA.com shed light on long-term usability issues.

Where To Buy

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

(724 reviews)
Buy new: $179.00 28 Used & new from $72.07

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. CNET

CNET's Joshua Goldman gives the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS a positive review, calling it a great pocket camera. He lauds the camera's image quality, performance and sleek design, but says the flat buttons can be difficult to accurately press. The few owners who write reviews concur with Goldman's positive evaluation.

Review: Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS, Joshua Goldman, June 17, 2009

2. InfoSyncWorld.com

Reviewer Mike Perlman calls the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS "virtually identical" to last year's model and "generic" compared to the competition. On the other hand, he likes the "solid design" and "good feature set for beginners."

Review: Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Review, Mike Perlman, July 1, 2009

3. DigitalCameraReview.com

"The Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS is an affordable answer to a need for a lightweight, responsive camera that is easy for the amateur to use," begins Whitney Downing's review, which is sprinkled with product shots and screenshots of the camera. The review is thorough, complete with image quality and performance tests to back up Downing's narrative.

Review: Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Review, Whitney Downing, June 1, 2009

4. StevesDigicams.com

Editors at Steves-Digicams.com always offer thorough and lengthy camera reviews. The Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS gets accolades for its utter ease of use, stylish colors and compact design, as well as its performance and image quality. It is included in the website's compilation of best cameras.

Review: Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Review, Editors of Steves-Digicams.com, April 28, 2009

5. Amazon.com

More than 650 owners post reviews of the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS at Amazon.com, the majority giving it a perfect score, though there are also some negative reviews. Most owners have few complaints, lauding its simplicity and image quality. One user complains of blurry images on three different units, while others say this model's image quality is not as good as older models.

Review: Canon PowerShot SD1200IS 10 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD (Dark Gray), Contributors to Amazon.com

6. CanonUSA.com

The Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS gets over 150 reviews at Canon's website, many of which are positive, citing ease of use and good image quality. Complaints are all over the map, but several users mention poor image quality in low light. A few users have issues with autofocus.

Review: PowerShot SD1200 IS, Contributors to CanonUSA.com

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