Canon A1200 vs Nikon 1 J5

The following is a in-depth review of the Canon A1200 and Nikon 1 J5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Canon and Nikon. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the A1200 (12MP) and 1 J5 (21MP) and the A1200 (1/2.3") and 1 J5 (1") use totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The A1200 was manufactured 5 years prior to the 1 J5 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Canon A1200 being a Compact camera and the Nikon 1 J5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the A1200 matches up against the 1 J5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot A1200 and Nikon 1 J5. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon A1200 Gallery and Nikon 1 J5 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera often, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Canon A1200 comes with external dimensions of 98mm x 63mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) and the Nikon 1 J5 has proportions of 98mm x 60mm x 32mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 231 grams (0.51 lbs).

Examine the Canon A1200 and Nikon 1 J5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the A1200 and the 1 J5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the A1200 and 1 J5 is 92 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions only by seeing specifications. The picture here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the A1200 and 1 J5.

To sum up, the two cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The A1200 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Nikon 1 J5 will provide extra detail due to its extra 9MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged A1200 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.