Canon SD1200 IS vs Olympus SZ-12

Below is a detailed analysis of the Canon SD1200 IS versus Olympus SZ-12, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Canon and Olympus. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the SD1200 IS (10MP) and SZ-12 (14MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SD1200 IS was revealed 3 years before the SZ-12 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a concise summary of how the SD1200 IS scores versus the SZ-12 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS and Olympus SZ-12. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SD1200 IS Gallery and Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Canon SD1200 IS has got outer dimensions of 86mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.4" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Olympus SZ-12 has proportions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Canon SD1200 IS versus Olympus SZ-12 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the SD1200 IS compared to the SZ-12.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SD1200 IS and SZ-12 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by checking specs. The photograph here may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SD1200 IS and SZ-12.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus SZ-12 to give you greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The older SD1200 IS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.