Canon A1200 vs Panasonic SZ1

Below, we are looking at the Canon A1200 versus Panasonic SZ1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Canon and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the A1200 (12MP) and SZ1 (16MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The A1200 was unveiled 12 months earlier than the SZ1 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the A1200 grades against the SZ1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot A1200 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The full galleries are available at Canon A1200 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Canon A1200 enjoys outside measurements of 98mm x 63mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 1.2") and a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ1 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Compare the Canon A1200 versus Panasonic SZ1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view size comparison of the A1200 compared to the SZ1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the A1200 and SZ1 is 92 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to visualise the difference between sensor measurements only by looking at specs. The visual below might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the A1200 and SZ1.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Panasonic SZ1 to resolve greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The older A1200 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.