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Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Digital Camera - An Honest Review

Author: Kent Lee
Date: Mar 12, 2010 - 1:41:43 PM

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There are now many 10 Megapixel cameras to chose from, but the Canon PowerShot SD1200IS 10 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD stands up well when compared with others of its price range. It's simple to use, and won't daunt you like some of the ones which aren't just 'point-and-shoot', like this one is. With its 3X Optical Image Stabilization Zone, you won't have problems when you have to hand-hold in low light situations.

As far as the picture quality goes, I'd say it's a bit better than others of the same caliber. The size is excellent, making it very manageable if you need to slip it into your pocket or pocketbook.

Here are some of the benefits of the Canon PowerShot SD1200IS:

One of the problems you can encounter with these cameras is a too-small LCD screen. This one sports a 2.5 inch-wide one which exhibits great clarity and sharpness to the image. The amount of time that it takes to turn on can be fairly long, though... which means that you might miss that shot that you wanted to grab quickly unless the camera has already been made ready.

Sometimes the learning-curve on these cameras can be daunting; but this one has simple menus, the modes are all easy to get to, and it's well-organized. To have to search through menu level after menu level is always a pain. Most cameras have very confusing menus.

If you want a camera which allows you to take exceptionally good photos with little stress, this is the one for you. The 10 megapixel quality is almost past the ability of older 1.5 Gig computers to handle, though, so you might set the quality setting lower if you're going to be manipulating the photos later.

With it's auto focus, you'll find it to be fast and efficient... quickly locking onto the image and focusing without error. Many cameras don't do as well when you get into low-light situations, but this one doesn't exhibit very bad pixilation at even the lowest light levels... and it seems to enhance the dark areas well. When compared with other models of its own price range, I'd say its ability to take photos in such light conditions excels.

When you're wanting to print large prints, you'll appreciate that the images will even look good when you zoom-in. Many cameras will use a digital zoom, so the photos have little squares which are noticeable. This camera gives good details.

For those who have trouble focusing close on the small LCD screen, which can be a problem for those who are far-sighted, there's a convenient optical viewfinder, which is a feature that's been disappearing from many models. Don't they know that the LCD screen is just to small for many people to see through?

As far as charging times on the battery, the length of time you'll get from the camera isn't incredible, but comparable to other models in its range; I'd rate it as being 'fair' as to the length of time you'll be able to shoot with it. As for how long it takes to charge the battery, it seems to not take much time at all.

When you are wishing to get really near to the object, like if you're taking a photo of a butterfly on a flower; and you want to get really close shots, it helps you by automatically converting from auto to macro mode. You'll appreciate this if you're an avid nature photographer.

To be fair, the Canon PowerShot SD1200IS model isn't perfect:

1. You might find that the camera is a bit noisy, as it has all these different noises it makes as it works.

2. Most of these digital cameras no longer come with a user's manual because they let you download the PDF from their website, and they also tend to include it on the installation CD. Just pick it up and drop it on your desktop to learn how to use the camera.

3. One annoying thing, which most other camera companies do too, is they don't supply a video card with the camera; so you'll have to purchase one after you've bought the camera. Without the card, it's useless, so you'd think they'd inform you of that fact on the box somewhere.

One nice thing is the wide range of colors that the unit comes in. Oftentimes these cameras only come in silver. All-in-all the Canon PowerShot SD1200IS 10 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD is a great camera for its price, rivaling any other 10 megapixel camera that I know.

View all articles by Kent Lee

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