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Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20

Portability
95
Imaging
32
Features
17
Overall
26
Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS front
 
Pentax Optio VS20 front
Portability
90
Imaging
39
Features
35
Overall
37

Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Key Specs

Canon SD1200 IS
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 35-105mm (F2.8-4.9) lens
  • 160g - 86 x 55 x 22mm
  • Released February 2009
  • Additionally referred to as Digital IXUS 95 IS
Pentax VS20
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-560mm (F3.1-4.8) lens
  • 235g - 111 x 61 x 38mm
  • Revealed January 2012
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Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Overview

Here, we will be matching up the Canon SD1200 IS versus Pentax VS20, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Canon and Pentax. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SD1200 IS (10MP) and VS20 (16MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SD1200 IS was brought out 3 years before the VS20 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the SD1200 IS matches up versus the VS20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Canon SD1200 IS over the Pentax VS20

 SD1200 IS VS20 

Reasons to pick Pentax VS20 over the Canon SD1200 IS

 VS20 SD1200 IS 
RevealedJanuary 2012February 2009Fresher by 35 months
Focus manually More precise focusing
Screen size3"2.5"Bigger screen (+0.5")
Screen resolution460k230kSharper screen (+230k dot)

Common features in the Canon SD1200 IS and Pentax VS20

 SD1200 IS VS20 
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen Missing selfie screen
Touch screen Missing Touch screen

Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Physical Comparison

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Canon SD1200 IS provides external 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 Pentax VS20 has specifications of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

See the Canon SD1200 IS versus Pentax VS20 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the SD1200 IS versus the VS20.

Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SD1200 IS and VS20 is 95 and 90 respectively.

Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 top view buttons comparison

Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Sensor Comparison

Usually, it's hard to see the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through technical specs. The graphic here should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SD1200 IS and VS20.

As you have seen, both cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Pentax VS20 to give extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older SD1200 IS is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.

Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 sensor size comparison

Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Screen and ViewFinder

Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Canon SD1200 IS Portrait photography features
Pentax VS20 Portrait photography features
24
features face detect focus
manual focus not available
manual exposure not available
external flash not possible
sensor resolution low (10 megapixels)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
36
manual focus
megapixel count decent (16MP)
manual exposure not available
external flash not possible
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW files
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Street Comparison

Canon SD1200 IS as a Street photography camera
Pentax VS20 as a Street photography camera
56
has image stabilization (Optical)
screen is fixed
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
61
has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
lighter than others in class (235 grams)
no moving screen
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW files
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Sports Comparison

Canon SD1200 IS Sports photography advice
Pentax VS20 Sports photography advice
24
has image stabilization (Optical)
slow continuous shooting (1.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority mode
sensor resolution low (10MP)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect auto focus
44
amazing zoom range (28-560mm 20.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
provides tracking focus
very slow continuous shooting (1.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
no phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Canon SD1200 IS as a Travel photography camera
Pentax VS20 as a Travel photography camera
51
flash built-in
does not have Timelapse recording
sensor resolution low (10MP)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
wide angle not great (35mm)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
68
lighter than others in class (235 grams)
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
flash built-in
pretty wide (28mm)
long zoom (560mm)
no Time Lapse mode
does not offer selfie friendly screen
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.1)
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Landscape Comparison

Canon SD1200 IS as a Landscape photography camera
Pentax VS20 as a Landscape photography camera
26
has image stabilization (Optical)
manual focus not available
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not great (35mm)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
screen is small (2.5 inches)
manual exposure not available
sensor resolution low (10 megapixels)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
does not have Timelapse recording
47
manual focus
pretty wide (28mm)
pretty good screen size (3 inches)
has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
megapixel count decent (16MP)
cannot swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.1)
manual exposure not available
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW files
no Time Lapse mode
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Canon SD1200 IS
Vlogging with Pentax VS20
27
has image stabilization (Optical)
features face detect focus
wide angle not great (35mm)
somewhat slow max aperture (f2.8)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
low res video (640 x 480 pxls)
does not have microphone jack
30
pretty wide (28mm)
has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
lighter than others in class (235g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.1)
does not offer selfie friendly screen
video resolution low (1280 x 720 pxls)
no mic support
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Canon SD1200 IS vs Pentax VS20 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon SD1200 IS and Pentax VS20
 Canon PowerShot SD1200 ISPentax Optio VS20
General Information
Make Canon Pentax
Model Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Pentax Optio VS20
Also Known as Digital IXUS 95 IS -
Class Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Superzoom
Released 2009-02-18 2012-01-25
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
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 10 megapixels 16 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 3648 x 2736 4608 x 3456
Maximum native ISO 1600 6400
Minimum native ISO 80 100
RAW format
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Number of focus points 9 3
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 35-105mm (3.0x) 28-560mm (20.0x)
Largest aperture f/2.8-4.9 f/3.1-4.8
Macro focus distance 3cm 3cm
Crop factor 5.8 5.9
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 2.5" 3"
Resolution of screen 230k dots 460k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Screen technology - TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (tunnel) None
Features
Min shutter speed 15s 4s
Max shutter speed 1/1500s 1/2500s
Continuous shutter rate 1.0 frames/s 1.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range 3.50 m 2.80 m
Flash settings Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Maximum video resolution 640x480 1280x720
Video format Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 160 gr (0.35 pounds) 235 gr (0.52 pounds)
Physical dimensions 86 x 55 x 22mm (3.4" x 2.2" x 0.9") 111 x 61 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5")
DXO scores
DXO Overall 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 260 photographs -
Style of battery Battery Pack -
Battery model NB-6L D-LI122
Self timer Yes (2, 10, Custom, Face) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HD MMCplus SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots 1 1
Launch price $250 $106