Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SD1200 IS
94 Imaging
35 Features
40 Overall
37


95 Imaging
32 Features
17 Overall
26
Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SD1200 IS Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-105mm (F2.0-5.8) lens
- 185g - 101 x 56 x 25mm
- Revealed February 2011
- Alternate Name is IXUS 310 HS / IXY 31S
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 35-105mm (F2.8-4.9) lens
- 160g - 86 x 55 x 22mm
- Launched February 2009
- Also referred to as Digital IXUS 95 IS

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SD1200 IS Overview
Its time to look closer at the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Canon SD1200 IS, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and both of them are designed by Canon. The sensor resolution of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and the SD1200 IS (10MP) is fairly close and both cameras provide the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The ELPH 500 HS was launched 24 months after the SD1200 IS making them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before diving right into a in depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the ELPH 500 HS scores versus the SD1200 IS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SD1200 IS Gallery
This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon ELPH 500 HS & Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS. The complete galleries are available at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery & Canon SD1200 IS Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon ELPH 500 HS over the Canon SD1200 IS
ELPH 500 HS | SD1200 IS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | February 2011 | ![]() | February 2009 | Newer by 24 months |
Display dimensions | 3.2" | ![]() | 2.5" | Larger display (+0.7") |
Display resolution | 461k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper display (+231k dot) |
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Reasons to pick Canon SD1200 IS over the Canon ELPH 500 HS
SD1200 IS | ELPH 500 HS |
---|
Common features in the Canon ELPH 500 HS and Canon SD1200 IS
ELPH 500 HS | SD1200 IS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | No manual focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen |
Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SD1200 IS Physical Comparison
If you're going to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon ELPH 500 HS features outer dimensions of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Canon SD1200 IS has proportions of 86mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.4" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs).
Examine the Canon ELPH 500 HS versus Canon SD1200 IS in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the ELPH 500 HS versus the SD1200 IS.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ELPH 500 HS and SD1200 IS is 94 and 95 respectively.

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SD1200 IS Sensor Comparison
Normally, it is difficult to picture the difference in sensor dimensions only by looking through technical specs. The picture underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the ELPH 500 HS and SD1200 IS.
As you can tell, both of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different MP. You can anticipate the Canon ELPH 500 HS to provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics more aggressively. The more recent ELPH 500 HS provides an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SD1200 IS Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Canon SD1200 IS Specifications
Canon ELPH 500 HS | Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Canon | Canon |
Model | Canon ELPH 500 HS | Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS |
Otherwise known as | IXUS 310 HS / IXY 31S | Digital IXUS 95 IS |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Revealed | 2011-02-07 | 2009-02-18 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology | - |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 10 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 3648 x 2736 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 1600 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
AF center weighted | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 24-105mm (4.4x) | 35-105mm (3.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/2.0-5.8 | f/2.8-4.9 |
Macro focus distance | 3cm | 3cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3.2 inches | 2.5 inches |
Resolution of display | 461k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Display technology | PureColor II Touch TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Optical (tunnel) |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 15 secs | 15 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/1600 secs | 1/1500 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 3.0 frames per sec | 1.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 5.00 m | 3.50 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (24fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 240 fps) | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 640x480 |
Video data format | H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 185g (0.41 lbs) | 160g (0.35 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 101 x 56 x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") | 86 x 55 x 22mm (3.4" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 180 photos | 260 photos |
Battery form | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | NB-6L | NB-6L |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (2, 10, Custom, Face) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus | SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HD MMCplus |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Cost at launch | $175 | $250 |