Canon SD1200 IS vs Panasonic LX5

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Canon SD1200 IS vs Panasonic LX5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SD1200 IS (10MP) and the LX5 (10MP) is very well matched but the SD1200 IS (1/2.3") and LX5 (1/1.63") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SD1200 IS was revealed 3 years before the LX5 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SD1200 IS matches up vs the LX5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SD1200 IS Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon SD1200 IS offers exterior dimensions of 86mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.4" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LX5 has dimensions of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Canon SD1200 IS vs Panasonic LX5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SD1200 IS vs the LX5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the SD1200 IS and LX5 is 95 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading through technical specs. The graphic here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SD1200 IS and LX5.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The SD1200 IS includes the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher. The older SD1200 IS is going to be behind in sensor technology.