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, but has enough features for the more knowledgeable photographer to get a precise shot.
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This digital ELPH camera comes in a variety of colors for the fashion-savvy, and has plenty of options available for the serious shutterbug. While it is a relatively simple camera when compared to a DSLR, the unit is well-equipped to handle everyday shots.
FEATURES OVERVIEW
This camera comes with a number of features that make it easy to use. With Canon's newer DIGIC 4 processor and 10.0 megapixels, it is well-equipped to take on any casual photographic occasion. Focally, the camera has a 3x optical, 4x digital, 12x combined zoom, which gives the photographer anywhere from 35 to 105mm zoom.
This is not much zoom power, but is plenty for the amateur photographer. The camera also features a sizable 2.5 inch 16:9 widescreen LCD screen, making it easy to view shots and show them off to others. The SD1200 still has an optical viewfinder.
The SD1200 has a feature called Smart AUTO, which intelligently chooses the camera shot settings based on a list of 18 predefined shooting situations. This feature allows the beginner photographer to get a good shot without having to change settings based on the situation. I tested this feature out and it is responsive, but it often took some time to recalibrate based on what the sensor found.
Some of the features of the SD1200 include:
- DIGIC 4 processor: The DIGIC 4 processor offers the ability to recognize faces and compensate for lighting and focus based on the positions of the faces in the photo. I tested this feature as well and found that in high light situations it was easy for the sensor to pick up faces. However, in situations where the faces were at an angle or in lower lighting, it was more difficult for the sensor to determine facial features. The faces did not have to be still, however, as the camera picked up moving subjects well.
- Shooting modes: The SD1200 has 18 preset shooting modes including P or Program mode, which allows a more advanced photographer to set ISO speed, white balance, and metering. Two interesting modes are the Aquarium setting, which allows photos of underwater life with no glare off of aquarium glass, and Underwater, which takes photos underwater with a low backscatter (with the proper waterproof case). Other modes include Digital Macro, which allows for close-up shooting, Long Shutter for artistic blur, and Kids & Pets for speedy focusing and fast shooting.
- Movie Mode: The SD1200 can take VGA movies at 640 x 480 and QVGA at 320 x 240 resolution. These videos can be replayed on a computer, or the camera can be hooked up to a television for replay. The camera can take a limit of one hour or 4GB worth of video.
- Face Detection Self-Timer: When in self-timer mode, the camera will continue to pick up extra faces in the shot so that the photographer can add him or herself to the frame. The shot will not be taken until the camera detects the extra face.
- I-Contrast: The Intelligent Contrast Correction system (i-Contrast) will automatically lighten dark areas within the shot without over-brightening the light areas. This is a good setting when the main subject of the photo is dark. i-Contrast can be applied either while the photo is being taken, or in playback mode after the shot is finished.
FORM, FIT, AND FEEL
Smaller than a pack of playing cards, the SD1200 is easy to fit in a pocket. It actually rivals the size of most flip cell phones at 3.48 x 2.16 x 0.86 inches, and at 4.23 ounces. The camera is available in a number of fruity colors including pink, orange, green, blue, light and dark gray, making it fit any number of lifestyles and color preferences.
Ergonomics and Interface
The camera is set up simply, with buttons that are flush with the casing and easy-to-use controls. The on/off button is on top of the camera as well as the trigger button, which has a toggle for zoom.
There is a switch on the right hand side of the camera that controls if the camera is on Auto mode, mode picker, or movie mode.
In Auto mode, none of the specifications can be set except for resolution. Mode picker allows the photographer to set which of the modes the camera will be used in. However, it is difficult to find all 18 modes. It took me three days to finally notice that you have to press the Disp button when on the very last mode in mode picker in order to get the full list of the 18. Otherwise, only a few modes are shown. This is not good interface planning as it is not easy to find what I need, and it is not intuitive for the user.
There are three other buttons and a navigation circle on the back of the camera next to the LCD screen. One of the buttons is to toggle playback mode, one is to set the display, and one brings up the main menu. The navigation circle has a button in the center that serves not only as a de facto "OK" button, but also as a Function Set button which brings up the main modes and features available to the photographer.
