Canon A1200 vs Panasonic SZ5
92 Imaging
35 Features
19 Overall
28


95 Imaging
37 Features
34 Overall
35
Canon A1200 vs Panasonic SZ5 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
- Released January 2011
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Expand to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-250mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 136g - 104 x 58 x 21mm
- Released July 2012

Canon A1200 vs Panasonic SZ5 Overview
Below is a extended comparison of the Canon A1200 vs Panasonic SZ5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by companies Canon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the A1200 (12MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras posses the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The A1200 was revealed 18 months before the SZ5 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short highlight of how the A1200 grades against the SZ5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Canon A1200 vs Panasonic SZ5 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot A1200 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The full galleries are available at Canon A1200 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon A1200 over the Panasonic SZ5
A1200 | SZ5 |
---|
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ5 over the Canon A1200
SZ5 | A1200 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | July 2012 | ![]() | January 2011 | More recent by 18 months |
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Common features in the Canon A1200 and Panasonic SZ5
A1200 | SZ5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Lack of manual focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Exact same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither has selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither has Touch screen |
Canon A1200 vs Panasonic SZ5 Physical Comparison
When you are aiming to lug around your camera, you will want to think about its weight and volume. The Canon A1200 has exterior measurements of 98mm x 63mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ5 has sizing of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).
Check out the Canon A1200 vs Panasonic SZ5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the A1200 versus the SZ5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the A1200 and SZ5 is 92 and 95 respectively.

Canon A1200 vs Panasonic SZ5 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it can be tough to envision the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reading through technical specs. The graphic underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the A1200 and SZ5.
As you have seen, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Panasonic SZ5 to give you more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older A1200 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.

Canon A1200 vs Panasonic SZ5 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon A1200 vs Panasonic SZ5 Specifications
Canon PowerShot A1200 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Canon | Panasonic |
Model | Canon PowerShot A1200 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 |
Category | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Released | 2011-01-05 | 2012-07-18 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | DIGIC 4 with iSAPS technology | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4320 x 3240 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 1600 |
Maximum boosted ISO | - | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 23 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-112mm (4.0x) | 25-250mm (10.0x) |
Max aperture | f/2.8-5.9 | f/3.1-5.9 |
Macro focus range | 3cm | 5cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 2.7" | 3" |
Display resolution | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display technology | TFT LCD | TFT Screen LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (tunnel) | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 15s | 8s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/1600s | 1/1600s |
Continuous shooting speed | 1.0 frames per second | 2.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 4.00 m | 5.60 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720p ( 30,25 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4 |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
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 pounds) | 136g (0.30 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 98 x 63 x 31mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 1.2") | 104 x 58 x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") |
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 | 250 photos |
Style of battery | AA | Battery Pack |
Battery model | 2 x AA | - |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 secs) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HCMMCplus | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Retail price | $109 | $195 |