Canon A1200 vs Canon SX280 HS
92 Imaging
35 Features
19 Overall
28


91 Imaging
36 Features
43 Overall
38
Canon A1200 vs Canon SX280 HS Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 1600
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-112mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
- 185g - 98 x 63 x 31mm
- Announced January 2011
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-500mm (F3.5-6.8) lens
- 233g - 106 x 63 x 33mm
- Announced March 2013
- Succeeded the Canon SX270 HS

Canon A1200 vs Canon SX280 HS Overview
Its time to take a deeper look at the Canon A1200 versus Canon SX280 HS, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are produced by Canon. The image resolution of the A1200 (12MP) and the SX280 HS (12MP) is very well matched and they enjoy the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The A1200 was manufactured 3 years earlier than the SX280 HS which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short highlight of how the A1200 grades vs the SX280 HS for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Canon A1200 vs Canon SX280 HS Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot A1200 & Canon PowerShot SX280 HS. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon A1200 Gallery & Canon SX280 HS Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon A1200 over the Canon SX280 HS
A1200 | SX280 HS |
---|
Reasons to pick Canon SX280 HS over the Canon A1200
SX280 HS | A1200 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | March 2013 | ![]() | January 2011 | Newer by 26 months |
Focus manually | ![]() | Very precise focusing | ||
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Display resolution | 461k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer display (+231k dot) |
Common features in the Canon A1200 and Canon SX280 HS
A1200 | SX280 HS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither provides selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither provides Touch friendly display |
Canon A1200 vs Canon SX280 HS Physical Comparison
For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon A1200 provides exterior measurements of 98mm x 63mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 1.2") having a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) while the Canon SX280 HS has measurements of 106mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 233 grams (0.51 lbs).
Check out the Canon A1200 versus Canon SX280 HS in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the A1200 versus the SX280 HS.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the A1200 and SX280 HS is 92 and 91 respectively.

Canon A1200 vs Canon SX280 HS Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it is hard to see the difference between sensor dimensions simply by checking a spec sheet. The pic below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the A1200 and SX280 HS.
As you can see, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the exact same MP so you can expect similar quality of pictures however you will want to consider the age of the products into consideration. The more aged A1200 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.

Canon A1200 vs Canon SX280 HS Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon A1200 vs Canon SX280 HS Specifications
Canon PowerShot A1200 | Canon PowerShot SX280 HS | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Canon | Canon |
Model | Canon PowerShot A1200 | Canon PowerShot SX280 HS |
Category | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Announced | 2011-01-05 | 2013-03-21 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology | Digic 6 |
Sensor type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | - |
Cross focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-112mm (4.0x) | 25-500mm (20.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/2.8-5.9 | f/3.5-6.8 |
Macro focus range | 3cm | 5cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 2.7 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 230k dots | 461k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Display tech | TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (tunnel) | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 15s | 15s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/1600s | 1/3200s |
Continuous shooting rate | 1.0 frames/s | 4.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 4.00 m | 3.50 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 240 (240 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | BuiltIn |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 185 gr (0.41 pounds) | 233 gr (0.51 pounds) |
Dimensions | 98 x 63 x 31mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 1.2") | 106 x 63 x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") |
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 | 200 photos | 210 photos |
Battery type | AA | Battery Pack |
Battery model | 2 x AA | NB-6L |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HCMMCplus | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Pricing at launch | $109 | $325 |