Canon SD1200 IS vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Canon SD1200 IS vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Olympus. The image resolution of the SD1200 IS (10MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is relatively well matched but the SD1200 IS (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") possess different sensor sizing.

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The SD1200 IS was unveiled 4 years prior to the XZ-2 iHS which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SD1200 IS matches up vs the XZ-2 iHS in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The full galleries are available at Canon SD1200 IS Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Canon SD1200 IS comes with physical dimensions of 86mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.4" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") along with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

See the Canon SD1200 IS vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the SD1200 IS vs the XZ-2 iHS.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SD1200 IS and XZ-2 iHS is 95 and 85 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions merely by looking at specifications. The pic here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SD1200 IS and XZ-2 iHS.

Plainly, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SD1200 IS with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS will give more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged SD1200 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.