Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera User Review

Name of product: 

Approximate date of purchase: 

My Review 

I like my Canon SD1200 IS. I have read many reviews both before I bought it and afterwards to see what others have experienced with it. It has a wonderfully simple interface both in "Full Auto" and "Program Auto" mode. Navigating it is very easy. As very much a newbie to digital photography, it was more difficult understanding how the features should be used than figuring out how to activate them. Auto was very simple and straight forward. But, understanding the appropriate time to use adjustments to white balance, ISO, scene recognition, etc., took some experimenting. I only wish that the user manual had been more instructive about digital photography in general. I also wish that the user manual supplied with the camera had been printed, instead of on a disk, so I could take it with me when I went shooting. The controls are simple. Though the very flat, smooth characteristic of the buttons makes them hard to find and activate sometimes. For a camera with an all metal body, I just can't understand why Canon used such a cheap piece of plastic and cheap hinge for the door over the battery and SD card. It will certainly break at some point. Fortunately, both the battery and SD card are held in place by springs and clamps. The door does not hold them in their place. So, as a camera it is a fine instrument with good image quality and simple controls. Having now learned about digital photography in the company of the camera, I realize its shortcomings. One being its rather narrow 35mm lens, and another being its short optical zoom. But, as a beginner's camera, it is a fine, reliable camera as a point and shoot. And, it would be enough for anyone who simply wants to do point and shoot photography. But, as I have mentioned, for those who want to move on into photography deeper than the camera is capable, maybe a camera with a bit more capability would be a more appropriate first camera.

Camera "pros" 

Simple and easy to navigate user interface. Good quality pictures. Good battery life. A fine point and shoot camera.

Camera "cons" 

Flimsy battery compartment door. Buttons are too flat and smooth. Not much capability beyond having only 35mm wide lens and 3X optical zoom.

Is this camera easy to use? 

How is the image quality in good lighting? 

How is the image quality when using the flash? 

Do you like the camera's style and feel? 

How is the camera's LCD screen? 

Do you feel like the camera is/was a good value? 

Would you recommend this to a friend? 

Kyle Schurman, Digital Cameras Guide, says: